devastated my children. My daughter cried for two, three My son did the same weeks’ straight. thing. I think there needs to be something in place for pets. They ask to be victims of didn’t domestic violence either and I think families have to give them up. shouldn’t ACT-based Woman, Anne The ACT statistics ACT women face difficulties with deciding how to deal with their pets when leaving, identifying where they can go and they can also be confronted with the possibility that their pets will be abused if they are left behind. The choice can often be between surrendering their pets or returning to an abusive relationship. Pets are important as they are: part of a family and can be witness to, or the subject of, violence from perpetrators and used as a way of exerting power and control over family members; often the silent and hidden victims of domestic violence; a great support, stability for families, particularly children, undergoing abuse and can help with their recovery from trauma; and a key reason many women delay leaving abusive relationships Knowing that the animals are safe, and reuniting them with their family is critical for the recovery process from trauma. Pet Barriers Faced by Women Leaving Domestic Violence Pets ► Special needs animals as a result of injuries sustained through domestic violence Behavioural issues making pets difficult to manage. Security of unattended pets (pets left in the family home). In-home costs of looking after pets treatment, food, care, support. – Delays in system to allow for animals to be surrendered. Pet registration and under name which does not reflect real ownership “ownership” perpetrator’s by woman. Cost ► Expense of veterinary bills, vaccinations, de-sexing, treatments for injuries, trauma counselling for pets, addressing behavioural issues during a time when a woman is experiencing extreme – financial hardship and may have to surrender her pets as she cannot afford to keep her pet(s). The ► “Ecosystem” Disconnected industry, lack of awareness within pet-related industry of support and services available. Lack of community awareness about pet-related services, assistance and support. Lack of connected/visible network to support different pet needs and onward referral. Lack of pet-friendly housing options ► Women need to be assured of their safety before making a decision to leave an abusive pets’ relationship. Often, they struggle to find temporary boarding or shelter for their pets. Many women’s shelters and refuges are unable to accommodate pets. Women that need private rentals find it
devastated my children. My daughter cried for two, three weeks’ straight. My son did the same thing. I think there needs to be something in place for pets. They didn’t ask to be victims of domestic violence either and I think families shouldn’t have to give them up. ACT-based Woman, Anne The ACT statistics ACT women face difficulties with deciding how to deal with their pets when leaving, identifying where they can go and they can also be confronted with the possibility that their pets will be abused if they are left behind. The choice can often be between surrendering their pets or returning to an abusive relationship. Pets are important as they are: part of a family and can be witness to, or the subject of, violence from perpetrators and used as a way of exerting power and control over family members; often the silent and hidden victims of domestic violence; a great support, stability for families, particularly children, undergoing abuse and can help with their recovery from trauma; and a key reason many women delay leaving abusive relationships Knowing that the animals are safe, and reuniting them with their family is critical for the recovery process from trauma. Pet Barriers Faced by Women Leaving Domestic Violence ► Pets Special needs animals as a result of injuries sustained through domestic violence Behavioural issues making pets difficult to manage. Security of unattended pets (pets left in the family home). In-home costs of looking after pets – treatment, food, care, support. Delays in system to allow for animals to be surrendered. Pet registration and “ownership” under perpetrator’s name which does not reflect real ownership by woman. ► Cost Expense of veterinary bills, vaccinations, de-sexing, treatments for injuries, trauma counselling for pets, addressing behavioural issues – during a time when a woman is experiencing extreme financial hardship and may have to surrender her pets as she cannot afford to keep her pet(s). ► The “Ecosystem” Disconnected industry, lack of awareness within pet-related industry of support and services available. Lack of community awareness about pet-related services, assistance and support. Lack of connected/visible network to support different pet needs and onward referral. ► Lack of pet-friendly housing options Women need to be assured of their pets’ safety before making a decision to leave an abusive relationship. Often, they struggle to find temporary boarding or shelter for their pets. Many women’s shelters and refuges are unable to accommodate pets. Women that need private rentals find it