Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department (a) issues guidance and (b) requires mandatory training for police officers on the link between violence against (i) women and girls and (b) animals.

Domestic abuse can affect all parts of a victim’s life and relationships including, for example, through threats and harm to pets as a means of control. The Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance that accompanies the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides an explanation of the different characteristics of domestic abuse and includes reference to how pets can be used by perpetrators.

We are working with the new National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Public Protection to build on and enhance police training in tackling VAWG, including ensuring it is up to date to equip officers with knowledge on emerging issues and using the latest research to improve how it is delivered. This will mean training is strengthened at each level, from the front line to senior leadership.

The new National Centre, in which we are investing £13.1 million, will help deliver our manifesto commitment for strengthened specialist training for officers across the country ensuring they offer consistent protection for victims and relentlessly pursue perpetrators.