Here at PEGS, we remain committed to deepening our understanding of coercive control and the many ways it presents in family dynamics. We're proud to share that our founding director, Michelle, has recently completed the PAWS Champions: Recognising & Responding to Companion Animal Abuse as a Tactic of Coercive Control training.

The session was delivered by Maya from SAHSDA – Safeguarding Animal & Human Survivors of

Sexual and Domestic Abuse, an organisation raising awareness of how companion animal abuse can be used as a form of manipulation, intimidation, and control within domestic and familial abuse.

What Is a PAWS Champion?

A PAWS Champion is someone who has been trained to:

-Recognise the signs of companion animal abuse when used as a method of coercion or

emotional control

-Understand the significant bond between people and their pets, and how this bond may be

exploited

-Respond sensitively and safely to concerns involving threats or harm to animals

-Work collaboratively with professionals across safeguarding, education, and animal welfare

sectors.

This training acknowledges that coercive control can take many forms and that companion animals are often caught in the middle.

At PEGS, we are increasingly hearing from parental figures about a concerning and often overlooked dynamic: children and young people using harm or threats to companion animals as a method of control.

Some describe pets being mistreated, used as leverage during conflict, or in heartbreaking

cases seriously harmed or killed.

These are incredibly difficult situations for families to navigate, filled with fear, guilt, and

uncertainty. The emotional impact on both the human and animal members of the family can be

profound.

Michelle’s participation in the PAWS Champions training reinforces PEGS’ trauma-informed approach and gives us greater tools to understand and respond to these complex and distressing behaviours. It also allows us to advocate more effectively for policies and support systems that take the role of companion animals into account.

We are grateful to Maya and SAHSDA for delivering such powerful and necessary training. As a PAWS Champion, Michelle will be sharing this knowledge across our team and community to help ensure that no form of coercion—whether directed at people or pets—goes unnoticed or unsupported.

If you’re a parent or carer experiencing this dynamic in your home, please know that PEGS is here to listen, believe, and support you. You're not alone.