Dogs Trust supporting domestic abuse survivors
DOGS TRUST the UKs largest dog welfare charity, is celebrating one year of supporting survivors of domestic abuse in Wales through its Freedom Project.
To mark the anniversary, Dogs Trust hosted a significant event at the Senedd building in Cardiff, where Members of the Senedd gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the Freedom Project in Wales. The event, held on Tuesday 16th May 2023, united key stakeholders, volunteers, and supporters to honour the initiative’s remarkable success in aiding dogs and their owners facing challenging circumstances.
The Freedom Project, launched in Wales just over a year ago, has been instrumental in providing temporary foster care for dogs whose owners are facing domestic abuse. By offering a safe haven for these vulnerable dogs, the project not only safeguards their welfare but also enables their owners to seek support and rebuild their lives without worrying about the welfare of their beloved pets.
Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce. In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, in 2019 Dogs Trust found that 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.
As many refuges are unable to accept pets, these important services give survivors the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their pets will also be safe and well cared for.
As well as Wales, the Freedom Project currently operates across the whole of Scotland and in 39 counties across England. To date, the Freedom Project has fostered 2500 dogs and helped 2201 people.
The Freedom Project Regional Manager for the Northwest of England and Wales, Joanne Jackson commented on the success of the Freedom Project in Wales:
“As we continue to see an increase in demand for our services, it is more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.
“Whilst we are pleased to have been able to help so many people in our first year in Wales, there is still very much a need for our service, and we urgently need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this lifesaving work.
“Thanks to Dogs Trust supporters and representatives of Welsh government, local authorities, and partner organisations, we continue to expand the reach of the Freedom Project across Wales. By working together, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners, ensuring they can escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives with the support they need.”
The event at the Senedd building was filled with joy and gratitude as attendees reflected on the remarkable achievements of the Freedom Project in its inaugural year. Representatives from Dogs Trust shared heartwarming success stories of dogs and their owners who had benefited from the program, highlighting the transformative impact it has had on their lives.
Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, attended the event and expressed her admiration for the Freedom Project’s vital work:
“Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project does such amazing work to support people and dogs to escape unimaginable situations. We know that not wanting to leave pets behind can be a barrier to so many people looking to flee domestic abuse, so to see Freedom already supporting people across Wales to reach safety with their beloved pets shows how important and literally life-saving this work is. To hear that nearly 40 dogs and 26 families have needed support since the project launched in Wales last year demonstrates the hard work and determination to support survivors of domestic abuse, from Dogs Trust and all of the partner organisations they work with.
“I’m so grateful to the staff and volunteers that help make the Freedom Project work here in Wales and would encourage anyone to sign up and offer their support, so that more people and pets can escape abuse and live the lives they deserve.”
In addition to celebrating the Freedom Project’s achievements, the Freedom Project team was on hand to provide information and guidance to event attendees and highlighted the support available, encouraging individuals to spread awareness and refer those in need to the service. Their presence further emphasised Dogs Trust’s commitment to extending the reach of the project and ensuring that those facing challenging circumstances receive the assistance they require.
Dogs Trust is looking to expand its team of dedicated volunteer foster carers. Foster carers must have some experience of caring for dogs and be able to commit to fostering a dog for at least six months, although holiday cover can be provided. All dog food and the cost of veterinary treatment are covered, and full support is provided throughout by the Freedom Project team.
Involvement in fostering through the project is always kept completely confidential to protect both the dogs and the foster carers. Dogs are not fostered within the area that the owner is from, and the foster carer will not know who the owner is or where they live.
For further information about the Freedom Project and Dogs Trust’s work in Wales, please visit dogstrust.org.uk or contact the Freedom Project team on 0300 373 0677.