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Animal abuse is often more than an isolated incident: it can be a signal of deeper, serious problems such as domestic violence. That's why the Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) had invited our researcher and GZ psychologist Nienke Endenburg to talk more about this complex connection and why it's so important that, even the OM, is aware of this.

There were 54 people participating in the webinar. “There is very strong commitment among the people at the OM,” says Nienke. "They want to learn to look further into the disposal and handling of cases, to get to the heart of the problem. For them, this is not just about punishment, but also about using the right interventions that help change behavior."

Sharing experiences

Nienke explained and there was room for sharing experiences on issues involving animal abuse and domestic violence. “It was very valuable, for everyone involved, and certainly for me,” she said. The same sound came from a number of OM participants. "I heard a lot of positive comments about the webinar. People were impressed by Nienke's stories, in which she wanted to make us aware of the intertwining of these two phenomena. She succeeded very well in that!" said a participant.

Landelijk Expertisecentrum Dierenmishandeling

In Utrecht, Nienke is coordinator of the Landelijk Expertisecentrum Dierenmishandeling. (LED). When veterinarians have concerns about the condition of an animal, they can submit the file to specialized veterinarians and forensic experts from the Netherlands Forensic Institute via the LED's secure site. Within 48 hours, veterinarians have clarity.