HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) -- Some domestic violence outreach groups say they've seen an increase in calls for help or guidance following recent testimony in the federal trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
His ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, took the stand and testified that she was physically and emotionally abused by the rap mogul during their relationship.
Stephanie McGraw, the founder of W.A.R.M. (We All Really Matter), says headlines from the trial have been triggering to some of the domestic violence survivors that her Harlem organization helps. However, McGraw tells PIX11 News, "We get an opportunity, through this case, to expose it for what it is, it's a crime, it has to be talked about. Women die because there's silence, we know that silence hides violence."
The nonprofit organization has two black vans that respond immediately to victims who call the hotline for help, or when they get a phone call from the NYPD on the scene of a suspected domestic violence incident. McGraw said, "Sometimes you just have that moment, and she can change her mind."
Once the victims are out of the danger zone, McGraw says her organization provides hotels, shelters, clothes, toiletries, or even baby products if they also rescued children. Long term, W.A.R.M. provides support services like counseling for PTSD as well as classes on becoming financially independent.
Sade Greene, a mother of four children, tells PIX11 News that W.A.R.M. helped her turn her life around. She said, "Everything had escalated to the point where I was no longer safe." Her advice for people currently in an abusive home situation is "don't second-guess it, that is the inner voice inside you, letting you know something is off."
Domestic violence survivor, Isa Marie Maldonado, said her advice to others suffering abuse is to "try to get help as soon as possible, don't stay thinking they're going to change, cause sometimes they don't and it gets worse."
W.A.R.M. accepts donations of clothes, toiletries, diapers, baby formula, and other products that would be needed in an emergency situation. You can arrange a drop-off through their website.
The W.A.R.M. CRISIS HOTLINE to call if you need help is 917-736-1046.
New York State also has a 24/7 Hotline 800-942-6906 or Text 844-997-2121.
Other resources for domestic violence victims in NYC can be found at 1-800-621-HOPE.
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