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 violence and coercion 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:
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!
By completing this form, you are providing personal information to RSPCA NSW (we, us, or our). We are collecting your personal information to verify your identity and process your enquiry accordingly. Supplying your personal information is voluntary, but it may impact our ability to process your request if you do not provide it. Further details about how we manage personal information is contained in our Personal Information Collection Notice and Privacy Policy.
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 program is available throughout New South Wales. All enquiries come through our Sydney office, so more regional area enquiries may take longer to action.
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.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 – 1800RESPECT is a free national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for people who have experienced or are at risk of family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Lifeline – 13 11 14 – Lifeline is a free counselling line providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Link2Home Homelessness – 1800 152 152 – Link2Home is a state-wide homelessness information and referral telephone service providing information, assessment or referral to homelessness services and support in NSW.
Domestic Violence Hotline – 1800 656 463 – The Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 access to information, support and referrals to nearby services.
Ask Izzy – Ask Izzy is a mobile website connecting people in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, supporting people affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.
13 Yarn – 13 92 76 – 13YARN provides crisis support 24/7 to yarn without judgement and offers a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about any needs, worries or concerns.
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.
We promise to uphold the highest ethical standards. Your personal information has never been, and never will be sold or traded to other charities. This is our promise to you.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waterways, and particularly acknowledge the vital role animals have played in Indigenous life, stories and culture for tens of thousands of years.
The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
