SA Government releases new proposed measures for escaping domestic violence, allowing victims to take pets or move abusers out

Allowing pet owners to bring their animals to a rented property by paying an extra bond and exploring housing for male abusers are among a suite of measures proposed to address family violence.

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Victims of domestic violence would find it easier to take their pets with them when they flee an abusive relationship, under a new State Government proposal.

Men who abuse their partners or children might also get access to temporary accommodation in an attempt to allow more victims to stay in their own homes.

A new Government blueprint, released today, sets short, medium and long-term targets for changes to how authorities treat victims and perpetrators.

The Committed to Safety document lists 92 measures to protect people experiencing family violence – overwhelmingly women and children – and hold abusers accountable.

They include introducing pet bonds within a year to help people fleeing abusive households find rental accommodation without having to leave their animals behind.

Victims of family violence report they often remain in abusive relationships because they do not want to leave pets with their abusers but cannot find new housing where animals are accepted.

Under the proposed change, landlords would be able to charge an extra bond to any tenant to cover potential damage by their pet.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the proposed changes would “reduce barriers” to leaving an abusive relationship.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said it would “reduce barriers” to leaving an abusive relationship.

“This initiative gives them freedom to take their beloved animals with them,” she said.

The Government will work with the RSPCA and real estate agents to raise awareness of the predicament.Pet bonds were proposed by the former Labor government in 2013 but did not pass Parliament.

The new blueprint also pledges to focus more on removing perpetrators from the home, rather than sending victims away to shelters.

Over the next two years the Government will “explore a range of alternative accommodation options” to prevent men returning to households where they have been violent, or ending up on public housing waiting lists or homeless.

Ms Lensink said the idea was “directly driven from feedback we had from the sector”.

“It’s about allowing women to stay safely in their own homes and finding an early intervention point for perpetrators.”

The Government also wants to eliminate the use of emergency motel accommodation for people fleeing violence, which costs taxpayers $4.7 million a year.

FOR SUPPORT, PHONE THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS LINE ON 1800 800 098.