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PetRetreat is the RSPCA's information, advice and pet fostering service for families fleeing domestic abuse.
Since its inception in 2002, PetRetreat has helped 500 families and 600 pets - all victims of domestic abuse.
Through its network of animal fosterers, the service takes care of pets belonging to families who are going into a refuge until such time as the owner has a new, safe place to live, when they can then be reunited.
Do you live in the north of England? Could you be a PetRetreat fosterer?
The RSPCA is looking for animal lovers to foster cats and dogs across the north of England. Fostering a pet can be a pleasurable and rewarding experience, and is essential for the RSPCA's PetRetreat service to continue helping families and animals.
Find out if you've got what it takes to be a PetRetreat foster carer
Silent victims
PetRetreat was established in collaboration with Women's Aid, an organisation that supports the victims of domestic abuse, who were concerned about the other silent sufferers - pets.
It is becoming more apparent that family pets are being used as a tool to manipulate and control victims of domestic abuse.
Information suggests that one of the reasons that women are not leaving their abusive partners and going into refuges is due to the fear of leaving their pets behind.
Pets are used as a way of controlling the victim either by threatening to harm the animals if they leave, or by actually hurting the animal in front of the victim.
Domestic abuse
Each year, thousands of men, women and children are affected by domestic abuse. This can be physical, emotional or sexual.
It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, and over two women are killed by partners or ex-partners each week in the United Kingdom.
Help for sufferers - find out what to do if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
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| photo © RSPCA |
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PetRetreat
The RSPCA's information, advice and pet fostering service for families fleeing domestic abuse.
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