Bonds with companion animals are incredibly important for many people, especially during times of crisis. For both adults and children experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV), pets become a rare source of comfort, love, and safety.
However, companion animals can also be used by perpetrators to exercise power and control over their victims. Pets are likely to be present in up to 70% of domestic and family violence cases, leading many to delay finding safety to remain with their animals. In fact, concern for a pet causes more than 50% of women to delay leaving an abusive situation for at least 6 months.
Our Domestic and Family Violence Support Program helps those experiencing domestic violence to seek safety for themselves and their animal companions. Our program offers access to safe crisis accommodation for companion animals, allowing clients to find a refuge for themselves before being reunited with their pet.
Our Domestic and Family Violence Support Program helps those experiencing domestic violence to seek safety for themselves and their animal companions. Our program offers access to safe crisis accommodation for companion animals, allowing clients to find a refuge for themselves before being reunited with their pet.
Services of our Domestic Violence program include:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, it’s important to reach out for support. There are a number of services available across NSW that provide confidential help, guidance, and crisis intervention.
Below are some key contacts that specialise in helping humans in need, whether they’re seeking mental health support, crisis intervention, or information on safety and available services. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of these services if you or someone you know is in need of help.
Through our Social Return on Investment reports, we’ve been able to measure values not typically explored in impact reports and financial statements. These can include social, economic, and environmental factors.
As a charity, RSPCA NSW relies on donations, partnerships, and fundraising to drive change in our communities, provide treatment and shelter for animals, and offer relief and crisis support for people and pets in need. That’s why we’re excited to share our Domestic and Family Violence SROI Report, which express the social return your investment in our programs has had!
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Each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and cost may depend on which services are required. Please contact the RSPCA Community Programs helpline (02) 9782 4408
Our Domestic and Family Violence Support Program services all of New South Wales.
Our Domestic and Family Violence program recognises that safety is paramount in these situations. Precautions are taken to try and ensure the safety of not only the pets, but also of the client themselves. Animals are de-identified and kept in a secure location, away from the general public.
Yes, this community program was previously known as Safe Beds for Pets.
Our helpline is contactable Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. During weekends and public holidays, please contact our RSPCA Contact Centre. Details can be found here.
Through our Social Return on Investment reports, we’ve been able to measure values not typically explored in impact reports and financial statements. These can include social, economic, and environmental factors. To learn more about how your donations are helping drive change in our communities, simply click here to read our most recent Domestic and Family Violence SROI Report.
