Pets were used as a tool for coercive control and abuse during the pandemic, a new study has revealed.
It is amongst the latest findings from a major research project by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) into the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on those living with domestic abuse.
Interviews with call handlers of domestic abuse helplines revealed that victims’ animals had either been directly hurt during lockdown, or threats by the abuser to hurt victims’ pets prevented them from fleeing abusive situations over concerns for their animal’s safety.
