APDAWG Presents: Protecting Pets in Domestic Abuse

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Join APDAWG & Naturewatch Foundation this National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month for: Protecting Pets in Domestic Abuse

Animals can be abused, threatened or killed within coercive control cases, a crime that affects 2.4 million people a year in UK. Perpetrators of domestic abuse identify that special bond people build with their pets & use this to exert control over children, partners or elderly relatives. Legislation & safeguarding strategies for people often miss the importance that pets have within relationships & families. As a result, not only are instances of animal abuse missed, but opportunities to protect people are too.  

Following on from the success of last Oct's APDAWG event during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, we are excited to once again collaborate with Naturewatch Foundation to highlight why it is so important to consider pets used & abused within these horrific crimes. Our impressive speaker line-up (below) incl. professionals in this field, as well as survivors of abuse, who'll bravely share their experiences. Many of those who attend this event & many of the MPs who are invited, will have experienced abuse within a personal relationship. 

GUEST SPEAKERS 

Sharon Livermore MBE

As a survivor of domestic abuse, Sharon Livermore MBE founded Domestic Abuse Education to turn personal experience into meaningful change. Recognising her workplace as the only safe space during her ordeal, she now works with orgs across the UK to increase understanding of domestic abuse & how to support affected employees. Sharon is also the co-creator & driving force behind Sharon’s Policy, a free domestic abuse policy template, accompanied by guidance notes. Her mission is to ensure that all businesses across the UK implement a domestic abuse policy to provide meaningful support to those in need.

Catherine Haworth

Specialist Family Law solicitor with expertise in dealing with domestic abuse cases, incl. injunctions & child contact. Catherine is a qualified solicitor but is also a qualified IDVA, meaning she has in depth knowledge of domestic abuse & how perpetrators often use the family courts as a tactic of post-separation abuse, or "litigation abuse". She often handles cases where there has been pet abuse from a perpetrator of domestic abuse & uses her knowledge of this to help safety plan for clients, their children & their pets. Catherine is also a dog lover & proud Mum to 2 fox red Labradors.

Jo Stevenson

Award-winning HR consultant, accredited coach & Domestic Abuse Education trainer with over 20 years’ experience in senior HR roles at orgs incl. Microsoft, Barclays, HBOS & Tesco. In 2024, after seeking support for her own experience of domestic abuse, Jo connected with Sharon Livermore & became both an Ambassador & Associate Trainer for Domestic Abuse Education. Her drive to help others live free from abuse & contribute to much-needed cultural & systemic change, now underpins her voice as a survivor & educator. Jo is still navigating the justice system herself — her perpetrator was arrested in March 2024 & due to stand trial in June 2026 for non-fatal strangulation & coercive control. This is Jo’s first time speaking publicly about one of the most overlooked forms of coercive control: the use of pets in abuse. Jo lives in Stamford, Lincs & is a proud single mum to 2 wonderful children, whose understanding & support inspire her every day, as well as them becoming young voices against Domestic Abuse.

Rosie Watson 

Rosie Watson is Head of External Relations at Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance, which brings together orgs working on the frontline of domestic abuse with the civil legal sector to provide immediate legal assistance & protection for victim-survivors. The free to use WEPROTECT mobile app enables instant referral to ensure that the appropriate civil legal support is actioned without delay. WEPROTECT is already being used by frontline officers across 12 UK Police Forces & by numerous local & national support services/charities. Prior to working at the DA Alliance, Rosie spent several years in the policing & criminal justice sector, shining a spotlight on locally commissioned victim support services & community safety projects. Rosie is a White Ribbon UK Champion & recently completed a professional Diploma in Domestic Abuse & Violence Awareness.

Christina Warner

Award-winning barrister plus human rights & animal protection specialist at 33 Bedford Row Chambers, with particular focus on cases involving domestic abuse & child protection. Her practice is distinguished by a deep commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable—both human & non-human— plus she's widely recognised for her advocacy in the intersection of family law & animal welfare.

Christina is the founder of #RubysLaw, launched in Jan 2025, a pioneering campaign calling for legislative reform in the family courts to recognise pets as victims in the context of domestic abuse. Her work advocates for greater protection of companion animals within the legal system, championing stronger legal frameworks to shield animals from harm & ensuring their interests are meaningfully represented in court proceedings.

Mark Randell

From senior detective to global advocate, nearly half a century protecting both people & animals. Firstly, a policing career progressing from beat officer to a senior detective specialising in international covert operations within serious crime & counterterrorism. Mark shaped strategies in undercover policing & criminal intelligence. Following retirement, He founded Hidden-in-Sight, using investigative expertise to drive systemic change within the animal welfare sector. Today, as Campaigns Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, Mark leads global efforts to strengthen animal welfare laws & raise awareness of the clear link between animal abuse & human violence through the flagship #ProtectAnimalsProtectPeople campaign. Mark works closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, NGOs & legislators to influence policy/legal reform, contributions that have been featured in major documentaries & other media. Mark also serves as a trustee for Refuge4Pets, supporting animals affected by domestic abuse.