There are a number of reasons why someone who is dealing with domestic violence may not leave a relationship. In many cases, it may be related to their pets.

Tony Korol-Evans, the training and special projects administrator with the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, said it’s not uncommon for an abusive partner to threaten to hurt or kill a pet if the victim of the abuse tries to leave the relationship.

“Abusive partners will frequently use pets as a way to try to control the survivor,” she said.

As a result, often the abuse survivor may be struggling to find housing not just for themselves and their children, but the family pet as well. Korol-Evans says nationally, fewer than 25% of domestic violence shelters provide housing for pets.

A survey from the Urban Resource Institu

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