Lawyer, judges and law enforcement professionals who are involved in animal rights law or domestic violence issues have been invited to attend a Humane Society University workshop on Tuesday, April 22, in Chicago.

The workshop, “Protecting People and Pets,” is designed to raise awareness of the connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Mullane Auditorium at The Anti-Cruelty Society, 169 W. Grand Ave.

To register, contact Frances Gaeta at (301) 548-7731 or fgaeta@humanesociety.org. Tuition is $60.

Coordinators cite research that indicates pet abuse is common in the lives of battered women. Almost half of domestic violence victims may remain in abusive situations out of concerns for the safety of pets left behind

Goals of the program include identifying ways to increase resources for victims and their pets, enhancing inter-agency communication and community collaboration, and developing and maintaining safe havens for pets of victims.

Humane Society University, the training arm of the Humane Society of the United States, offers on-site workshops, online courses and degree programs for volunteers and animal care workers.