In light of the recently leaked 2016 video of Sean “Puffy” Combs abusing then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and the resulting outrage flooding our news feeds and social media, I, Q Speaks, along with the entire Universal Deep Productions team, feel compelled to address the critical issue of domestic abuse.
We understand this video is deeply triggering for many, but the heartbreaking fact is that in this year alone –
1 in 5 victims of homicide are killed by an intimate partner
47.3% of women and 44.2% of men have reported domestic violence in their lifetime
19.6% of women and 7.6% of men have experienced contact sexual violence from an intimate partner
Intimate partner violence (IPV) often begins before the age of 25
Over 20,000 phone calls are made to the United States authorities each day reporting domestic violence
48.4% of women and 48.8% of men have been subjected to psychological aggression by an intimate partner during their lifetime
IPV tends to be most prevalent among women aged 18 to 34
77% of women aged 18 to 24, 76% of women aged 25 to 34, and 81% of women aged 35 to 49 have suffered the same fate previously at the hands of the same offender
As a community, we are disgusted and outraged by the violence in the video, the narcissism, and the insincere public apology. Most concerning was the failure to address Cassie directly. #SayHerName
I strongly encourage everyone to channel this energy into invoking change. Show support, share helpful information, and help those in need find their way to empowerment.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please use these resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Visit [www.hotline.org](http://www.hotline.org) for secure and reassuring help. Call 1.800.799.SAFE or text "START" to 88788.
There are also countless local resources available. Let’s support each other and make a difference.
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