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Animals caught in domestic violence

Animals caught in domestic violence

Update: 2025-06-04
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Domestic violence is a significant issue in Australia, with recent reports stating 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men have experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member. 

And as nearly 70% of households in Australia have pets as part of their families, animals are often the forgotten victims in domestic violence situations. In fact, many victim-survivors may stay in a harmful relationship out of fear of what would happen to their animal if they left, or because they don't know where to turn for assistance.

In this week’s episode, our host Brian Daly joins Ann-Margaret Withers, Senior Manager Outreach, Education and Crisis Support Programs, RSPCA NSW, Lauren Roberts, Community Outreach Manager, RSPCA VIC, and esteemed Barrister at Law and media personality Gina Liano to cover this important issue in depth. Including the impact domestic violence can have on animals, the legal protections and loopholes afforded to them, and the resources available for both humans and their pets to assist them in staying together safely.

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Animals caught in domestic violence

Animals caught in domestic violence

RSPCA Australia