Protect the vulnerable

End violence toward people and animals

Violence is rarely a single act – it follows patterns, and those patterns matter.

Botswana has made amazing progress in addressing gender-based violence. More voices are speaking up. More cases are being taken seriously. Prevention is increasingly part of the national conversation. That is something to celebrate.

But another part of this conversation also needs attention: violence toward animals and violence toward people are connected.

Research and frontline experience show that harm to animals often exists alongside domestic abuse, child abuse, and coercive control. Animals are often the first victims – they are dependent, unable to leave, and unable to speak up. For some survivors, concern for their animals adds another layer of fear and difficulty when trying to leave unsafe situations.

This is not about blame or punishment. It is about prevention, early intervention, and responsibility. Now we have an opportunity to build on progress by strengthening laws, empowering welfare organisations to intervene sooner, and ensuring protection reaches the most vulnerable before it is too late.

Let’s work together to make sure this message reaches where it matters most.

Violence does not happen in isolation