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NQDVRS Townsville,1st Floor, Metway Arcade
Men’s Programs, Mezzanine Floor
390 Flinders Street
Townsville QLD 4810
Phone 07 4721 2888
Fax 07 4721 1794
Email General Information
No-one shou
ld feel like they can't leave a violent home, which is why RSPCA Qld and
dvconnect have joined force to create a Pets in Crisis Domestic Violence Program.
dvconnect counsellors and workers in the wider domestic violence sector regularly
speak to women whose pets are beaten or tortured by abusive partners in order to
frighten and control them into staying in violent relationships.
For others, especially the children, moving into refuge without their special companion
at this time compounds the loss and makes the trauma they are facing their family
life that much more intense.
Until now, as refuges are neither equipped nor approved to house animals, women have
been faced with the difficult decision of abandoning their pets to get refuge, or
paying prohibitive fees to board pets at a time when they may have nothing but the
clothes on their back.
Breaking the Cycle
Women who need to stay in domestic violence refuges but are unable to find alternative
care for their pets can contact dvconnect womensline on 1800 811 811 and counsellors
will liaise with the RSPCA to provide temporary care of companion animals with trained
volunteer foster carers. Prior to fostering, the RSPCA will examine the animal and
provide immediate care and assessment for animals needing vaccines and basic assistance.
The animals will be cared for 28 days, or until the woman is able to leave the refuge
and re-establish herself in the community.
Reconciliation
DV State/Territory Contacts
