Domestic violence victims and their animal companions are to have greater protections under proposed changes to the law.
Announced by the Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman, the proposed Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) reforms will amend the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 and expand the conditions of ADVOs.
Mr Speakman said animals were often used as an instrument of coercive control to torment victims.
“Perpetrators use animals to intimidate, retaliate against, and manipulate victims during the relationship and after separation, as punishment for leaving,” Mr Speakman said.
“Animal abuse in domestic violence settings can also delay victims leaving violent situations for fear of having their companion animals left unprotected with perpetrators,” he said.
“The reforms will change the definition of ‘intimidation’ to indicate explicitly that harm to, or harm threatened to, animals is a form of intimidation.”
Mr Speakman said the Bill would also ensure the protection of animals was a standard condition in all ADVOs.
“While there are existing animal cruelty laws, this reform means if offences are committed in the context of a domestic relationship, with intent to coerce or control the victim, or cause intimidation or fear, they may be also charged as domestic violence offences,” he said.
