Lucy’s Project is committed to driving systemic change through our advocacy for policy, programs and legislative reform. Here you’ll find a snapshot of the vital work we’re doing to ensure people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence can access the supports they need to be safe.
Submissions
Legislative reform
We’re thrilled to announce that a motion supporting the protection of animals and people affected by domestic and family violence has officially passed in NSW Parliament!
Introduced by Abigail Boyd, this motion recognizes animals as victim-survivors of domestic violence, calling for animal-inclusive policies to better protect people and animals. This achievement is a testament to the power of collective advocacy—thank you to all who attended our 2024 conference and helped drive these critical conversations forward! Together, we’re creating a safer future for all victim-survivors.
We are also thrilled to share another incredible milestone—the Family Violence Amendment (Protecting People and Their Pets Bill) 2024 has passed the Upper House and will now become law in Tasmania! This landmark legislation ensures that harm or threats to animals, used to coerce, intimidate, or control a partner, are explicitly recognised as a form of family violence. It’s a groundbreaking step forward in protecting both people and animals affected by domestic and family violence.
Lucy’s Project is proud to have campaigned for this amendment alongside Engender Equality, Women’s Legal Service Tasmania, Tenants’ Union Tasmania, and Huon Domestic Violence Service, bringing to life a vital recommendation from the Australian Law Reform Commission. This achievement highlights the power of advocacy, research, and cross-party collaboration in driving meaningful change. Together, we are shaping a safer future for everyone—human and animal alike.
Thank you to everyone who supported this effort and helped turn this vision into reality. Let’s continue building momentum and creating a world where safety and compassion prevail.
Community campaign
Lucy’s Project runs campaigns to raise awareness and drive changes to ensure everyone—human and animal alike—can access the supports they need to be safe. We do this by collaborating with like-minded organisations, and mobilising community members.
Lucy’s Project was proud to be part of the Homes for Everyone campaign calling for animal-inclusive rental housing in New South Wales.
This campaign highlighted the heartbreaking reality that 1 in 5 animals surrendered in NSW are separated from their families because of restrictive rental policies. For families escaping domestic and family violence, this lack of animal-inclusive housing creates devastating barriers to safety. Survivors are often forced to make an impossible choice: leave their beloved animals behind or stay with the perpetrator.
Through social media advocacy, meaningful partnerships with organisations like Domestic Violence NSW, Cat Protection Society, Tenants Union NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Australian Companion Animal Network, and Animal Welfare League NSW, and the amplification of survivor stories, the campaign highlighted the need for change.
Together, we called on the NSW Government to reform rental laws and make animal-inclusive housing the default. This critical step will ensure families—human and animal alike—can find safety and stability together.
Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign by raising their voices and contacting policymakers. Change begins with collective action, and we’re one step closer to a future where safe homes are for everyone.
