Every day for 16 years, "Annie" lived in fear -- physically and mentally abused by a husband who controlled her every move.

"And everyday you walk on egg shells and everyday it's the unknown and everyday he's explosive." "Annie" told Ivanhoe. "I just felt like I was dead and I said, 'Girls I think it's time we get out of here cause it's not safe.'"

We can't identify "Annie" for fear her husband will find her, but she and her children are safe in a shelter thanks in part to a woman she'd never met.

Christine Hartline -- a volunteer at a San Diego animal shelter and director of Animal Safehouse -- was shocked to learn 40-percent of victims stay in abusive homes to protect pets.

"This is a member of their family. They don't want to leave this member of their family behind and they're willing to risk their life for it," Hartline told Ivanhoe.

Domestic violence shelters don't allow pets, so Hartline stepped in to fill the void. Animal Safehouse cares for pets of battered women. Volunteer foster parents -- on call day and night -- care for pets until the victim is back on her feet.

"You just keep in mind this is not my dog. I'm just a caretaker. It's going to go home and it works out okay. But it's not easy sometimes." Richard Cone, a Safehouse foster parent, told Ivanhoe.

Pets are skittish and often distrust humans after being used as leverage to control victims.

"The batterer has killed the pet in front of them and said, 'This is what's going to happen to you if you leave,'" Hartline said.

Safehouse gave "Annie" the courage to escape. She now focuses on school and her future knowing every member of her family is safe and loved.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Christine Hartline
Rancho Coastal Human Society
(760) 753-6413
info@rchuamnesociety.org