Paisley uni researchers find pets were used as a tool for coercive control during lockdown

dailyrecord.co.uk:

New research by Paisley academics has unlocked the secrets of those living with domestic abuse during lockdown.The study, carried out by boffins from the University of the West of Scotland, found that pets were often used as a tool for coercive control and abuse during the pandemic.A major research project into the impact of the Coronavirus lockdown on those living with domestic abuse was launched by the university after it became clear that concerns for those living with an abuser were heightened during isolation.They carried out a raft of interviews with call handlers from domestic abuse helplines, which revealed that victims' animals had either been directly hurt during lockdown or became the subject of threats from the abuser which prevented victims fleeing abusive situations over fears for the safety of animals.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.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.Dr Roxanne Hawkins, a lecturer in psychology at UWS, said: "Our research has revealed the impact of the pandemic on domestic abuse victims and with this comes the use of pets as tools of abuse, to exert control and coercion over the family."This has been documented by domestic abuse helpline staff, who have received calls from victims who have experienced threats by abusers to kill, harm, remove or cease access to the animal, usually cats or dogs."The research is part of a growing body of work by the university - involving a team led by Dr Hawkins, Dr Zara