Family Violence

‘Domestic and family violence’ is defined as violence by a family member or current or former intimate partner. It may involve attempts to gain and/or maintain power and control over another through a range of abusive behaviours including physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse.

Domestic violence is a significant issue in Australia. It is the most common factor contributing to homelessness among women and their children, and plays a major role in the nation’s homicides. The AJP believes that national and state policies addressing domestic and family violence should be well resourced and evidence based. This should include addressing intersections between family and domestic violence and animal justice issues.

Key Objectives

1. Shelters for survivors of domestic violence must also provide shelter for animals. Research shows that victims may stay in an abusive situation out of a well-grounded fear that their animals will be harmed if they leave.