When Home Isn’t Safe: What Every Veterinary Professional Should Know About Domestic Violence

This week, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor sit down with Elizabeth Watson and Jane Allen Wilson from the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network for one of the most important conversations in veterinary medicine. Domestic violence affects far more veterinary professionals than most realize, yet it remains one of the least discussed workplace safety issues. Research shows that an estimated 1 in 5 women will experience some form of violence by a partner in their lifetime; chances are, someone listening is facing it right now.  Through candid discussion, the guests explain how to recognize warning signs in colleagues, clients, and even animal patients. They describe how abusers often isolate victims and use pets as tools of control, why victims hesitate to seek help, and what veterinarians and managers can do when they suspect abuse. The episode explores the practical and legal steps clinics can take, from safety planning to protective orders, to safeguard team members and their clients. This episode challenges the profession to view domestic violence as both a personal and a workplace concern, urging listeners to foster safer and more supportive veterinary environments. If someone needs confidential support, whether they need help right away or want to have someone to talk to and process with and process privately and safely, they can call, text, or chat with someone here: The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ Additional resources, support, and information can be found here: - NCCADV - North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence - North Carolina Victim Assistance Network: https://nc-van.org/ - National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/do-you-think-youre-being-abused - National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/get-help/more-information/ - Directory of each state and territory's state domestic violence coalitions: https://nnedv.org/content/state-u-s-territory-coalitions/ #VeterinaryPodcast #VetMed #VetClinicLife #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SupportSurvivors #SafeWorkplace #VeterinaryLeadership #MentalHealthInVetMed #VeterinaryWellbeing #VetMedStrong #DVAM2025