RSPCA Victoria has launched a new program to help victim-survivors of domestic and family violence keep their pets safe while fleeing unsafe situations. The SafePaws program provides practical support including emergency pet packs, access to emergency boarding, and veterinary care for animals that have been harmed or require rehabilitation due to domestic and family violence. For many victim-survivors, concern for a pet’s safety can be an overwhelming barrier, delaying their decision to leave unsafe situations. RSPCA Victoria’s senior manager education and community outreach, Dr Lauren Roberts, said the scale of the problem was significant. “We know people in domestic and…
Browsing: Domestic Violence
THE Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) Women Against Gender-Based Violence Group met with Federal MP for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea on 27 August to urge her help in preventing domestic and family violence.SWAN members, including Diane McDonald, Belinda Rodman, Cr Sarah Race and Maureen Donelly, say their group decided to appeal to Belyea in particular because of her proven track record in supporting women. According to the group, Crime Statistics Agency Victoria data for 2023 reported 2509 family violence incidents in Frankston and 2044 on the Mornington Peninsula (up 3.5% from 2022).The group stressed that both short-term and long-term low-cost housing…