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The Tanderra Woman’s and Children’s Refuge will form a partnership with RSPCA NSW’s Safe Beds for Pets Program – a unique program that aims to assist with empowering women and their children to escape domestic violence.
Research shows that one in four women delay leaving a violent partner out of fear for their pet. Safe Beds for Pets arranges emergency accommodation for these pets, allowing victims to escape knowing their pets are being cared for.
Refuge agencies have told RSPCA staff that common scenarios include pets being harmed in front of the victims with the threat that they will be next and if victims have escaped the violence, threatening harm or death to pets unless the victim returns to the relationship.
“The RSPCA is about human welfare as well as animal welfare. We believe that every member of the family has the right to feel safe and live free from harm,” says Safe Beds for Pets Co-ordinator Kelly McCormack.
“RSPCA NSW receives no funding to run this program. We provide accommodation, food and vet care for all the animals in the program,” she said.
For more information about the Safe Beds for Pets program visit www.rspcansw.org.au