Pet-friendly DV refuge faces closure

ONE of Australia’s only pet friendly domestic violence refuges is on the brink of closure because of a lack of funding.

The Sanctuary Women, Children and Pet’s Refuge, based at Palm Beach, offers those fleeing domestic violence a place to stay alongside their animals, instead of using emergency fosters.

In its two and a half years of operation the private charity has helped 118 people and 38 pets to safety. However without funding for new transport, founder Simone Patterson says she will need to close.

The service’s twin cab ute, which removes families and animals from dangerous situations, is at its end, and Ms Patterson said the charity could not afford a new one.

“We use it to transport food, clothing, waste disposal, donations and wheelie bins filled with vegetables to feed animals,” she said.

“We also move women from hospitals, police stations, court and children from school. The ute we have is in its final stages and I wont be able to keep using it for much longer.

“I really need a good ute that will last but we have applied for funding and grants and have had no luck. Without it we will not be able to operate.”

She also seeks an automatic lifter to be installed on the ute.

Ms Patterson and her husband took out a mortgage in their retirement to fund the venture, and still receive no state or federal funding.

A Go Fund Me had only raised $400 as of yesterday.