We often hear about women who are suffering domestic violence and finding it extremely difficult to leave their partners.
But one reason why they may find it hard to go is rarely considered, the worry about what will happen to pets. They can't be accommodated in refuges and safe houses, as Carol Marsden, who used to work in a refuge, discovered.
Through a questionnaire she found out how much women felt they needed support with their pets, so, 5 years ago, she set up an organisation in Bolton called Paws for Kids. It enables pets to be looked after by foster carers until the family is re-housed and so far it's helped over 300 women and 500 pets.
Felicity Finch went to meet two of the women Paws for Kids has recently helped. For more information call the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Actionline on 0800 044 044
