Are you experiencing family/domestic violence? • If you are in danger, call 000
• For information call 1800 RESPECT • Animal support information available here

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Domestic Violence and the human/animal connection

When animals are victims, humans are victims

Protecting animals to protect children

Australia has one of the highest rates of animal ownership in the world. Sadly, we also have one of the highest rates of family/ domestic violence, too. This means that many animals, who are a part of the family, also become victims when a family is subjected to family/ domestic violence.

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When an animal is being abused in the home, there are often humans at risk in the home. Witnessing animal abuse is distressing, and some perpetrators will harm an animal as a way of exerting control, punishment, or threats towards a human victim/survivor.

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For many children experiencing domestic and family violence, the family pet can be a deep comfort and support. Animals can be a source of security for a child in a turbulent home. (Taylor and Fraser 2019)

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Our core strategies

Awareness AwarenessAwareness

Lucy’s Project raises awareness of the link between family/ domestic violence and animal abuse. We do this both amongst the general public and within the government and non-government organisations tackling the domestic and family violence crisis in Australia.

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Advocacy AdvocacyAdvocacy

Lucy’s Project advocates for the animal victims of family/ domestic violence in order to also protect the human victims of family and domestic violence. We do this in a number of ways.

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Action ActionAction

We offer direct consulting services to domestic violence organisations (and others) who are seeking to improve the outcomes for people with animals and be innovators in the field.

We work with organisations who need assistance understanding animal issues or requiring referrals to further support.

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Speaker and consulting requests

Raising awareness about the link between domestic violence and animal abuse is part of our core work. To learn more about the issues, hear a presentation at your school, University, conference or place of work, to up-skill your organisation, help build your network or get a project for animals off the ground email   info@lucysproject.com

53%

of women who experienced domestic violence reported the deliberate injury or killing of their companion animal
(Gullone, 1994)

19%

of women who experienced domestic violence reported that their children had abused a pet
(Arbour, R. Signal, T. & Taylor, N., 2009)

88%

of families receiving services for child abuse had also abused their pets
(Davidson, 1988)

Lucy’s Project is proudly supported by

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