Realizing that animals are often viewed as beloved family members, domestic violence abusers often target pets to intimidate or control their spouse or partner. Research clearly shows that offenders of domestic violence often have a pattern of abuse involving all members of the household, including children and pets. According to The American Humane Society, 71% of pet-owning females who enter women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened their family pets for revenge or to psychologically control family members. When victims of domestic violence seek to escape their abusive homes, they are not only faced with the challenge of finding shelter for themselves and their children, but also for their pets. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals and many domestic abuse victims are left facing the difficult decision to either leave their pets behind or remain in the abusive environment. Sadly, many victims stay in abusive homes for fear of subjecting their animals to continued abuse, if left behind. According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, up to 40% of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave. Equally disturbing, animals that are left with their abusers face torture or even death, which is estimated to be 52% by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. This is where The S.A.S.H.A. Foundation steps in. By providing a safe home through the Foundation’s Fostering Network, the domestic violence victim can remove their pet from the abusive household. Not only does this provide the necessary care and protection for the pet, but also allows the human victim to obtain protection for themselves and their children all the while the human victim is reassured by knowing that the Foundation’s ultimate goal is pet reunification with their family once their home is abuse free. This achieves the mission of The S.A.S.H.A. Foundation, which is Supporting Animals Suffering Human Affliction.