FORT WAYNE,IN (Indiana's NewsCenter)---"Annie"/Domestic violence victim: And everyday you walk on egg shells and every day it's the unknown and everyday he's explosive.

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

"Annie" : Food, money, holidays. Everything was manipulated. I just felt like I was dead and I said, "Girls, I think it's time to we get out of here because 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.

Nat sound: Hi, buddy... hi buddy...

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

Christine Hartline/"Animal Safehouse" director: 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.

Jennifer Blomquist/Reporting: Unfortunately, domestic violence shelters don't allow people to bring pets with them. That's where Christine stepped in. She created something called "Animal Safehouse"... It's a place where pets of battered women can be cared for.

Nat sound: Hi Buddy...

Volunteers foster parents - on call day and night - care for pets until the victim is back on her feet.

Richard Cone/Safehouse foster parent: 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.

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

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

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.

I'm Jennifer Blomquist for Indiana's Newscenter.