Lucy’s Project works with the domestic and family violence (DFV) sector to improve supports and referral pathways for people who are experiencing violence and abuse, and who have animals in their care.

This presentation will explore case studies that outline the achievements and challenges that Lucy’s Project has experienced since initiating the AWARE ARC program in NSW in 2020. This collaborative program focuses on the following objectives:

• developing cross-sector partnerships and comprehensive referral pathways specific to the needs of a region to assist local service providers to support clients and their animals;

• providing training to staff members and volunteers so that they are resourced to recognise, respond to, and refer people experiencing DFV who have animals in their care;

• developing tools and resources for services providers in the DFV, animal, community and other sectors that enables them to support clients and their animals more effectively in times of crisis.

For adults and children who experience violence and abuse, animals can be a vital source of support, comfort and unconditional love. Ignoring or trivialising a client’s bond with their animals has the potential to hinder a worker’s ability to support the client. Service providers are more likely to establish rapport with clients if they take an interest in the human and animal relationships that clients report as being important to them.

In this presentation, you will learn about the importance of animal-inclusive practice and the steps that you can take to promote an animal-inclusive approach in your workplace, which is beneficial for both clients and service providers.