Emmerdale’s Belle and Tom Storyline Explores the Dark Use of Pets in Abuse

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The plot of Emmerdale’s Tom King and Belle Dingle aims to demonstrate how family pets may be used as a “weapon” by domestic abusers.

Watchers will witness Tom purposefully rev his automobile at Belle’s dog Piper on Friday’s show as a means of controlling her.

The actor who plays Tom, James Chase, stated that in his mistreatment of Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), his character is “well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog.”

He remarked, “This intentional act is Tom’s way of getting back in Belle’s life, even though it’s horrifying.”

“He is aware that her response to Piper’s injury will allow him to console her and regain her trust.

“Though it’s a desperate move, Tom is clinging to anything right now.”
The British soap opera has been collaborating closely with Dogs Trust and Refuge on the plot.

“The recent storyline involving Belle, Tom, and Piper is incredibly distressing, but sadly it is reflective of what we too often see through our work,” stated Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust.

“Those we assist tell their tales of the various ways abusers utilize their dogs as tools of coercion, dominance, physical injury, and intimidation in abusive relationships.

Although the current plot involving Belle, Tom, and Piper is extremely upsetting, it regrettably mirrors what we all too frequently witness in our line of work.

“We’ve heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs or being able to spend money on dog food, and even repeatedly threatening to harm or kill their dogs,” says Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust.

“This is really frightening, and it makes people feel so alone.”

Perpetrators often even purchase a pet for their spouse with the intention of controlling and trapping them, taking advantage of the close relationships individuals have with their cherished animals.

We are aware that many individuals put off leaving abusive relationships because they are worried about what will happen to their pets if they stay, and sadly, not all refuges are equipped to take animals.

In order to provide dogs a crucial lifeline while their owners find a safe place to live, our Freedom team steps in and offers a safe and secure foster home.

“We regret to inform you that there is a rise in the need for our assistance, making it even more crucial that we be available to assist anyone who needs to escape domestic abuse and take their pet with them to safety.”

Emma Pickering, who oversees Refuge’s work on economic empowerment and technology-facilitated abuse, stated: “Unfortunately, we are aware that abusers frequently employ a variety of techniques to cause harm to their partners or former partners.

“Domestic violence is based on control and power, and perpetrators frequently target pets in their abuse. Maltreatment of animals and maltreatment in homes are closely related.

“Domestic abuse can have devastating consequences, and pets are an integral part of family dynamics.”

Power and control are the foundations of domestic violence, and abusers frequently target pets in their abuse.

“We have observed connections between economic control and animal cruelty, in which an offender withholds money to keep a victim from purchasing pet food or covering medical expenses. We have also observed heartbreaking instances of animal mistreatment and threatening behavior similar to what is shown in this narrative.

“It’s critical that soap operas depict the horrifying reality of domestic abuse and all of its effects without holding back.”

In an effort to maintain control over Belle, Tom will put Piper in “great jeopardy,” according to Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw. She also said that it is “all too common that domestic abusers will use the family pet as a weapon.”

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