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BSAVA joins domestic abuse support initiative
The pop-up window leaves no internet history trace, and has quick exit options.
It will provide a safe space for people experiencing domestic abuse.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to provide an Online Safe Space for those who are experiencing domestic abuse, as well as information to help people find support.

It now hosts an Online Safe Space on its website, accessible at the bottom of its homepage.

The page opens as a pop-up window, opening a site where users can seek information and specialist support for those who are experiencing domestic abuse. It leaves no internet history trace, and has quick exit options.

The support network is the result of a partnership between BSAVA, The Links Group and Hestia.

Launched in 2020, Hestia is a charity which provides support to adults and children in times of crisis. Its Online Safe Spaces were designed as a portal for information and resources, as well as discreet pathways to specialist support.

Online Safe Spaces have been adopted by many businesses, and have been used over 1.5 million times.

BSAVA’s collaboration with The Links Group has also enabled it to offer CPD training across the UK, to support colleagues with recognising and acting on non-accidental injury and domestic abuse. The CPD is free for BSAVA members.

Alison Speakman, BSAVA senior vice president, said: “BSAVA are hugely supportive of the opportunity to partner with The Links Group and Hestia to provide an Online Safe Space for all those who are in need of rapid and confidential access to domestic abuse support services and resources.
 
“Whilst we are an association dedicated to supporting veterinary professionals in their care of animals, it is important to be able to support the welfare and wellbeing of our members who may be experiencing the devastating consequences of domestic abuse.”

Sue Harper, deputy director of domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention at Hestia, said: “We are delighted to work with BSAVA and The Links Group to host an Online Safe Space to provide a vital lifeline to victims of domestic abuse, and we hope more organisations will follow suit.”

Image © Shutterstock

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.