For women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, leaving an unsafe home can involve incredibly difficult decisions. For those with beloved pets, finding somewhere safe to go can be even more challenging.
A recent article by journalist Wendy Tuohy, published in The Age on 10 October 2026, highlights the devastating connection between animal abuse and domestic and family violence, and the urgent need for refuge accommodation that considers the safety of both people and their pets.
The article shares the experience of a woman whose former partner killed her beloved dog following the end of their relationship. Her story highlights how threats and violence towards animals can be used as a form of coercive control, causing significant emotional trauma and creating additional barriers for women seeking safety.
Recognising pets as part of the family
For many women and children, pets are an important source of companionship, comfort and emotional support.
Yet finding refuge accommodation that welcomes animals remains a significant challenge. Women may face the distressing prospect of leaving their pets behind, potentially placing both themselves and their animals at further risk.
The article features Mary’s House Services CEO Yvette Vignando, who highlights the difficulties experienced by frontline caseworkers when trying to secure appropriate accommodation for women with pets.
As Yvette explains:
No one’s mapped how many refuges there are [which are suitable for pets], but I know our caseworkers struggle daily to find places [for women with animals],
This challenge reinforces the importance of recognising the relationship between domestic and family violence, animal welfare and access to safe accommodation.
Creating safer futures for women, children and their pets
As Mary’s House Services prepares to open its second refuge in Sydney’s northern suburbs in 2027, we are taking an important step towards addressing this need.
Our new refuge will offer self-contained apartments designed to accommodate women and children of all ages, including families with pets.
This approach recognises that safety and recovery should not require women and children to leave behind the animals they love.
By creating accommodation that considers the needs of the whole family, we hope to remove one more barrier for women seeking to escape domestic and family violence.
Raising awareness and creating change
The relationship between animal abuse and domestic and family violence deserves greater recognition and understanding.
We thank Wendy Tuohy and The Age for bringing attention to this important issue and sharing the experiences of those affected.
Read the original article:
Louise ended her relationship with a man after less than a year. His revenge was horrific
By Wendy Tuohy, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2026.
