COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Domestic violence survivors said the issue has become a pandemic within the City of Columbus and that speaking up will be the only way to slow the problem.
Tuesday marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“We have to make some noise about it because it’s no longer just a small private issue,” said Diana Williams, who was 25 years old when she was in an abusive relationship.
“We actually got into a physical altercation, and I was left… he left me there and did not call 911,” she said.
Watch: Speaking out against domestic violence in Franklin County
Williams’ best friend found her and took her to the hospital.
“And, you know, at the hospital, it was just where when I woke up, they were like, ‘You know, you almost died,’” Williams said.
She is now in contact with victims of domestic violence every day as the founder and CEO of Ohio Women Against Domestic Violence.
Williams said she always tells victims to tell even just one person about what they are going through because that person could save their life, like it saved hers.