ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – The connection between domestic violence and animal abuse is a big, ongoing problem in New Mexico, and a number of different groups are trying desperately to call attention to it.

Many people refer to it as “The Link.”

“It’s been a recognized phenomenon for hundreds of years, but we still have a lot of folks that don’t know about it,” said Tammy Fiebelkorn, a volunteer with the annual governor’s conference focused on the phenomenon.

Numerous studies show domestic violence offenders often use violence against animals as a way to torture their human victims while asserting power and control.

Between 50 and 71 percent of women seeking shelter from domestic violence reported their abuser had hurt or killed at least one family pet.

Krqe.com