Pet lovers join crusade against domestic abuse

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'The campaign against domestic violence is recruiting what might seem like unlikely new foot soldiers these days: animal lovers.

In an effort to protect potential victims of domestic violence, Harbor House — Orange County's only domestic-violence shelter — is reaching out to veterinarians, animal-cruelty investigators, law enforcement and neighbors to watch for signs of animal abuse that may indicate a deeper pattern of family violence.

"I think it would change the face of domestic violence if people understood how close that relationship is between animal abuse and domestic violence," said Harbor House CEO Carol Wick. "When you start getting people angry about pets being victimized, it may create a lot more awareness and protection for the people involved."

"Abusers use that bond between humans and animals as a weapon to coerce and control and humiliate their victims and to keep them trapped in abusive relationships," he said'