Lucy's Project Monday, 8 January 2018 Lucy's Project recognises that we fail to save human domestic violence victims lives when we fail to address the whole family- paws and all. Companion animals are often cited as the reason a victim returns to an abusive home, the inability to secure pet friendly accommodation the reason for increased homelessness for predominately women victims and their children. We recognise the trauma inflicted when beloved animals are abused as punishment, as a threat or means of control . We recognise the very particular trauma this inflicts on children and the special approach needed to help children heal. We recognise the role of many different fields and professions in responding to the intersection of companion animal ownership and domestic violence including vets, doctors, animal welfare organisations, crisis response systems, police, refuges, housing bodies, transitional homes and government. We recognise that working together as a coordinated network is imperative to the overall goal of saving lives, improving the quality of life for survivors and helping child survivors to thrive into adulthood.