Inside NZ’s first domestic violence refuge for pets
By Anna Harcourt , Rachel Barker and Tom Levesque
“We've literally had clients that have waited years for the opportunity to leave, and literally have said to us that the only reason they've left is because there was somewhere for the pet to go.”
23% of people in a Women’s Refuge survey said they had a pet killed by their partner.
Harming pets is often used as a tool of coercion in abusive relationships, but most domestic violence shelters can’t take pets. So Julie Chapman founded New Zealand’s first pet refuge.
Where to get help:
- Are You OK: Call 0800 456 450 or chat online
- Women's Refuge: 24/7 crisis line 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843
- Shakti: multilingual 24/7 crisis line for women and their children of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern origins: 0800 SHAKTI or 0800 742 584
Pet Refuge: Helpline 0800 PET REFUGE / 0800 738 733 843
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