JOSHUA ADAMSON
Pets are always a beloved member of any family, but what happens when this family starts to crack?
Domestic violence is a scourge on modern society, and due to some horrific recent cases, finally receiving attention on the national agenda.
Lots of discussion has been centred around why so many victims, particularly women, are not receiving the help they deserve, and find themselves stuck in abusive relationships.
Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult, with many victims hating the fact that if they leave the family home, they will leave behind all their treasured memories.
This is where pets come in.
A lot of people would regard their pets as like another child, and love and care for them as such.
When threatened by a violent partner, many times, a victim always wants to protect their children and loved ones.
If this means staying in the relationship, then unfortunately this is what has to happen.
For more than 10 years the Pets In Crisis program, run in conjunction with dvconnect, has sought to help those women trapped in violent domestic situations out of concern for their pets.
A lot of domestic violence refuges simply aren’t equipped to help animals, and it is up to the RSPCA to take them under their caring wing.
Queensland was the first state that the program was introduced in, and helps an increasing number of animals each year.
Due to the increasing number of animals needing temporary care, the RSPCA is under the pump.
RSPCA spokesperson Michael Beatty said that the program is so important for the community, but the RSPCA is also hurting under the pressure.
“We know the importance of the service but we’re also feeling the strain of providing that service,” Mr Beatty said.
“Ten years ago we had a partial sponsor but for the last six years we’ve on our own.”
“Research shows that up to 25% of women in violent situations where there is a family pet present may remain in that situation because of concern for the welfare of their pet if they leave.”
The RSPCA are desperately looking for a new sponsor for the program, because without it, women may be forced to stay in violent relationships, and their pets may suffer the pain of abandonment, or worse.
