EAST Renfrewshire's MP Kirsten Oswald has joined fellow politicians to highlight how a good cause is supporting victim-survivors fleeing domestic abuse.

It comes after Cats Protection hosted a parliamentary reception to raise awareness among politicians of its lifeline service, which provides free and confidential cat fostering to enable owners to escape domestic abuse.

As part of it, the charity used the event to highlight findings revealing that 78% of domestic abuse professionals surveyed had encountered cases where cats were targeted by abusers - often to control or coerce a partner or family member to stop them from leaving.

According to the charity, because most refuges are unable to take pets, cat owners face the agonising choice of remaining with their abuser or fleeing without their pet.

Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that 39% of domestic abuse professionals have encountered cases where a cat or kitten has been killed by a perpetrator of domestic abuse.

Kirsten Oswald MP said: “I was pleased to join with Cats Protection to hear about the fantastic work they are doing to support people looking to escape from domestic abuse.

“Cats Protection’s Lifeline service allows victims of domestic abuse to ensure their cats can be moved to a safe foster home away from the abuser, enabling the victim to seek refuge without fearing for their cat’s wellbeing.”

Amy Hyde, Cats Protection's lifeline manager added: “We were pleased to welcome so many politicians to our reception to discuss this incredibly important issue. Sadly, far too many people feel trapped living with an abuser out of fear for the safety of their pet.

“Perpetrators of domestic abuse will use their partner or family member’s love for their cat as a tool to coerce and control them.

"We’ve worked on cases where a perpetrator has physically abused the cat as well as controlling the owner’s access to finances and vet care, meaning that many cats are left with untreated injuries and health conditions.

“Using a beloved cat as a tool for coercive control can have a huge impact on those experiencing domestic abuse and makes it even more challenging for them to leave if they are worried about what will happen to their cat if left behind.

“This is especially the case for those who have experienced economic abuse and are financially dependent on the perpetrator, as well as those who have been isolated from friends and family and have limited other options to keep their cat safe.”