Harlem block party combats domestic violence, supports survivors

NEW YORK (PIX11) – An event to combat domestic violence was held in Harlem on Saturday.

Shareen Thomas, 30, spent her Saturday at Love on The Block Harlem.

The goal of the block party was to spread awareness about the community resources that are available to those suffering from domestic violence. As a survivor herself it was important for Thomas to attend.

“It does hit home, especially to see they’re out here trying to assist the cause and people like me and people that are going through it,” Thomas said.

Hundreds of people showed up for the party hosted by W.A.R.M., also known as We All Really Matter.

The group provides wraparound services for those suffering from domestic violence, including shelter, food, and counseling. Stephanie McGraw founded the group in 2010 after her journey with domestic violence.

“We go in with the police, pack women up, and get them to safety the same day. And sometimes police are calling us at nine at night and bringing women and children directly to our center,” McGraw said.

She added, “You don’t have to suffer in silence. There’s help here because we know silence hides violence.”

Many of the women who work at W.A.R.M. are survivors themselves.

Denise Cartagena is one of them.

“When I went through my own journey of surviving domestic violence- I had no one to lean on and no one to call, and maybe if I had a place like this, I wouldn’t have been in a situation for 22 years. Maybe I would have left earlier,” Cartagena said.

Shareen Thomas says events like this are critical to remind those suffering that they are not alone and that help is available.

Thomas said, “There is hope, and there are people here who are helping us; don’t be afraid to reach out.”

More information can be found here .

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