Special Projects

Emergency Care Packs

dvconnect aims to provide women and children in emergency accommodation with emergency care packs to assist during this traumatic period. These consist of calico bags filled with items such as toothbrushes, and personal toiletries, non-perishable food and activities for children.

We are happy to accept donations of these items or packs. Alternatively Emergency Care Packs can be sponsored at $25 each.

We have recently received generous donations from the Country Women’s Association - Southern Branch , and Foodbank Australia in this regard and thank them for their concern for families during this critical time.

Please contact our Marketing and Development Officer on Ph: 07) 3008 8294 if you would like to donate or hear more about this project.

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Pets in Crisis - Domestic Violence Program

An innovative partnership between dvconnect and RSPCA Qld.

No-one should feel like they can't leave a violent home, which is why RSPCA Qld and dvconnect have joined forces to create a 'Pets in Crisis Domestic Violence Program'.

dvconnect counsellors and workers in the wider domestic violence sector regularly speak to women whose pets are beaten or tortured by abusive partners in order to frighten and control them into staying in violent relationships.

For others, especially the children, moving into refuge without their special companion at this time compounds the loss and makes the trauma they are facing in their family life that much more intense.

Until now, as refuges are neither equipped nor approved to house animals, women have been faced with the difficult decision of abandoning their pets to get refuge, or paying prohibitive fees to board pets at a time when they may have nothing but the clothes on their back.

Breaking the Cycle

Women who need to stay in domestic violence refuges but are unable to find alternative care for their pets can contact dvconnect womensline on 1800 811 811 and counsellors will liaise with the RSPCA to provide temporary care of companion animals with trained volunteer foster carers. Prior to fostering, the RSPCA will examine the animal and provide immediate care and assessment for animals needing vaccines and basic assistance.

The animals will be cared for for 28 days, or until the woman is able to leave the refuge and re-establish herself in the community.

Making a Difference:
We can't do this alone - We need your help!

Become a Pets in Crisis Domestic Violence Program Volunteer!

We are currently seeking volunteer pet foster carers for this vital program. By providing kindness and care, you can make a difference to an animal in need and provide the owner with peace of mind.

Pet foster carers can specify what type of animals they are able to care for, and will have access to 24hour emergency support, if required. Pet foster carers will undergo a joint training session with the RSPCA and dvconnect prior to commencing any foster placement. This will cover topics such as animal behavioural and fostering issues and domestic violence issues.

All foster carer and client information remains confidential, and neither the women in refuge or the pet foster carer will be able to have contact with one another during the foster care period, or be given identifying information about one another. Pets will not be fostered in a home that is in close proximity to the owner's home or workplace.

Contact dvconnect administration to register your interest in becoming a pet foster carer (ph: 07-3008 8294).

Become a Supporter!

If you are unable to foster a pet but would like to help, you can provide financial support by making a donation to dvconnect or the RSPCA who are sharing the costs of the program. Your donations will go directly to helping those families with pets in need of emergency care due to domestic violence. To donate please click here.

Lobby for funding!

Write to politicians and community leaders to let them know we urgently need funding to continue this vital program. Perhaps you may be interested in becoming a corporate sponsor for the Pets in Crisis Program. Please contact dvconnect's Marketing and Development Officer for more information on this option (ph: 07-3008 8294).

Tell people about it!

Finally, the most important way you can help is to speak out! Talk to your friends, family, colleagues and community leaders about the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. Teach others to recognise to animal abuse and neglect as a serious problem and potential indicator of violence towards people, and most of all, encourage those people who may be experiencing violence to call for help.

dvconnect mensline Court Support Project

dvconnect mensline has recently started to offer a support service at four Magistrates Courts across Queensland to men involved in domestic and family violence procedures.

It is hoped this strategic service will give men the opportunity to access professional support around communication, violence and behavioural issues at this critical time. dvconnect is currently seeking ongoing funding for this service.

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