Pets are often harmed to control or punish women and children who are subjected to violence at home, Victorian authorities say.
It means family violence victims may feel less confident about fleeing, because they're concerned about the welfare of their pets.
A new, statewide program will aim to change that.
Response service Safe Steps will receive $100,000 over four years to organise the placement of pets with animal welfare shelters, such as the RSPCA.
Families Minister Jenny Mikakos says the initiative will help victims leave violent situations and get support.
"We know the absence of a place to leave pets, in the past, has been an impediment to women and children fleeing family violence," she told reporters on Sunday.
Safe Steps chief executive Annette Gillespie said pets were often used as weapons.
She said the funding would bridge a gap between agencies, as many refuge facilities didn't offer accommodation that could house pets with owners.
"Pets are harmed to show control and punishment of family members," Ms Gillespie said.
"The biggest impact of this abuse tactic is on children."
The funding comes after RSPCA Victoria and Safe Steps made separate submissions on the issue to the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Liz Walker welcomed the program and said RSPCA inspectors often dealt with animal cruelty that had stemmed from violent home situations.
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