THE S.H.A.R.P. NETWORK
"Safe Haven for At-Risk Pets"

Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence
A history of pet abuse is one of the four most significant risk factors for becoming a domestic violence batterer.
*A dozen studies have found that 15% to 48% of battered women delay leaving abusive situations – or return to them – out of fear for the safety of their animals.
*71% of battered women report that abusers hurt, killed or threatened their pets to control them and their children.
*Batterers who also abuse pets are more dangerous and use more forms of violence than those who do not.
*Adding a screening question about animal cruelty on a crisis line decreased domestic violence homicides by 80%.