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Cats Protection welcomed around 50 MPs and members of the House of Lords to discuss how the charity is supporting victim-survivors flee domestic abuse.
The UK’s biggest cat charity hosted the parliamentary reception to raise awareness among politicians of its Lifeline service, which provides free and confidential cat fostering to enable owners to escape domestic abuse.
The charity used the event to highlight findings revealing that 78% of domestic abuse professionals surveyed had encountered cases where cats were targeted by abusers – often to control or coerce a partner or family member and to stop them leaving.
Because most refuges are unable to take pets, cat owners face the agonising choice of remaining with their abuser or fleeing without their pet, knowing it may come to harm. Horrifyingly, the survey also revealed that 39% of domestic abuse professionals have encountered cases where a cat or kitten has been killed by a perpetrator of domestic abuse.
Cats Protection’s Lifeline Manager, Amy Hyde said “We were pleased to welcome so many politicians to our reception to discuss this incredibly important issue. Sadly, far too many people feel trapped living with an abuser out of fear for the safety of their pet.
“Perpetrators of domestic abuse will use their partner or family member’s love for their cat as a tool to coerce and control them. We’ve worked on cases where a perpetrator has physically abused the cat as well as controlling the owner’s access to finances and vet care, meaning that many cats are left with untreated injuries and health conditions.
“Using a beloved cat as a tool for coercive control can have a huge impact on those experiencing domestic abuse and makes it even more challenging for them to leave if they are worried about what will happen to their cat if left behind.
“This is especially the case for those who have experienced economic abuse and are financially dependent on the perpetrator, as well as those who have been isolated from friends and family and have limited other options to keep their cat safe.”
Sarah Champion MP, who sponsored the event on the charity’s behalf, said: “I was delighted to sponsor this event and to support the work of Cats Protection’s important Lifeline service. It is vital that we do everything we can to help those experiencing domestic abuse to get to safety together with their pet. The evidence shows just how frequently cats are threatened, harmed and even killed by those perpetrating abuse. With access to this service, victim-survivors can get their cat to safety, safe in the knowledge that specialist care and any veterinary treatment will be provided and that they can look forward to being reunited as soon as possible.”
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network of 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.
Lifeline is available in the South East, Yorkshire, East Anglia and the charity will be expanded into the Midlands in December.
Details of how to access Cats Protection’s Lifeline service can be found at www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/cp-lifeline/accessing-lifeline
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