The Links Group

PO Box 5816, MILTON KEYNES, MK10 1DB

The Links Group was formed in 2001 and comprises leading associations and charitable organisations in the fields of human and animal welfare. Since its inception, the group has successfully worked together to promote the links between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence.

We learn from each other and share our experiences in the human and animal welfare environments to work together to make a difference to those who need help. Over the years, we’ve produced literature, set up training programmes for professionals and become a catalyst for those who would like to know more about the links.

As professionals, we are all here to help you. If you need assistance, please, please contact the numbers and get help – we have the ability to help both yourself, your children and family pets. Remember, you are not alone.

The BVNA (British Veterinary Nursing Association) is the UK’s only organisation to represent the interests of Veterinary Nurses (VNs) and veterinary practice staff.

The BVNA was founded on the basis of animal welfare and the need to have qualified, trained and dedicated staff to nurse and care for any animal seeking veterinary attention. Animal Welfare is therefore critical to the organisation.

One of the BVNA’s missions is to support and educate the association’s members in all areas of nursing practice, including relevant areas of welfare.

The Buster Foundation is a voluntary community organisation established in March 2006. Its aim is to provide extra support services by providing a high-quality and confidential temporary fostering service for pet animals belonging to women and children escaping domestic violence in the North Wales area (Wrexham County Borough, Flintshire, Denbighshire, County of Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey).

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest canine welfare charity probably best known for their strapline ‘A Dog is for life not just for Christmas’. The charity re-homes 13,000 dogs a year and provides a fostering service for dogs belonging to women fleeing domestic violence in Greater London and Yorkshire.

Intervet UK is one of the largest animal health companies in the country renowned for researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing products for the prevention and treatment of health problems in a variety of animals.

Intervet is an integral member of the Links Group, but its own initiative, Forging the Link, is proving very rewarding in raising awareness of the links between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence amongst the veterinary profession.

The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is the UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC's mission is to end cruelty to children. FULL STOP. Its vision is a society in which all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. In other words, a society that will not tolerate child abuse - whether sexual, physical, emotional, or neglect.

Paws for Kids aims to help relieve the pressure on families escaping/recovering from domestic violence by providing medium/long term support

· A pet fostering service for all family pets, giving women and children escaping domestic violence direct access to emergency accommodation.

· A child centred service to help reduce the long-term effects of witnessing or experiencing domestic violence and abuse, using animals to promote caring and responsible values.

The RSPCA as a charity will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate suffering to all animals.

This will be achieved by effecting strong branch, regional, national and international operations dedicated to providing a public service, delivering effective relief of animal suffering and enforcing the law.