Domestic abuse victims staying in harms way to protect their pets

Research reveals people experiencing domestic abuse will find it more difficult to leave an abusive relationship and get to safety if they have a cat.

Cats Protection’s latest survey of over 400 professionals from organisations supporting survivors of domestic abuse* shows that nearly eight in ten (78%) have encountered cases where cats or kittens were physically abused in homes. 

Nine out of ten also say the pet cat can effectively become a barrier to the victim getting to safety as most refuges cannot take animals, causing people to remain with their abuser.

Ros spoke Amy Hyde, national lifeline manager at Cats Protection.

Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash