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Magazine article
Family law changes will better protect domestic violence victims – and their pets
The Conversation
11/06/2025
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Abstract
Welcome changes to family law come into effect this week to better support victims of domestic violence in property settlements.
Importantly, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 will provide a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in divorce and separation proceedings. Pets will no longer be recognised merely as property, but as “companion animals”.
Family law courts must now consider animal abuse, including threats to harm pets, when deciding which partner is awarded ownership.
Research suggests up to 15% of all animal cruelty cases involve domestic violence offending. Therefore, the new laws will provide some relief to partners whose beloved pets have suffered abuse.
Details
- Title
- Family law changes will better protect domestic violence victims – and their pets
- Creators
- Meri Oakwood - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- The Conversation
- Publisher
- The Conversation Media Group Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991013288954702368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Magazine article