It is a sad but familiar story to hear of a domestic violence survivor remaining in a harmful relationship for the sake of protecting their beloved pet. Many survivors cannot bear to leave their animal unprotected with a former partner and it can be logistically difficult to take their pet with them when they finally leave.
Perpetrators of domestic violence often use an animal to intimidate and manipulate their victim during the relationship and after separation.
This week, the NSW Government will introduce a Bill to give greater protections to domestic violence survivors and their companion animals.
The Bill will amend the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 and expand the conditions of ADVOs to protect animals from perpetrators and recognise that animal abuse in the context of a relationship is a serious form of domestic violence.
In addition, the NSW Government has invested $500,000 in a one-off grants program for refuges and animal shelters to support companion animals when victims flee violent homes.
This reform will continue to improve the safety of people experiencing domestic violence across NSW and their furry family members.
At Tiyce & Lawyers, we understand that your pet is your family.
Contact us for specialist family law advice
