Domestic violence survivors urged to seek help after 2 recent cases, including pregnant woman set on fire
One case left a mother dead, while another woman, Vanessa Edmonds, remains hospitalized in a burn unit after authorities say her husband allegedly set her on fire in front of their young daughter.
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Two recent domestic violence cases in the region have spotlighted the devastating consequences of abuse and the importance of available support services for survivors.
One case left a mother dead, while another woman, Vanessa Edmonds, remains hospitalized in a burn unit after authorities say her husband allegedly set her on fire in front of their young daughter.
For Sarah Whitlock, a social worker with Women4Women, the news was heartbreaking—but not entirely unexpected.
“It's an absolute tragedy and it's obviously shocking. However, it's not surprising that violence escalates to this level,” Whitlock said.
While October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, advocates say the need for education, intervention and support continues year-round.
Whitlock, who has worked with Women4Women for the past two years, says her passion for helping survivors comes from a desire to ensure no woman faces abuse alone.
“As women, we all know what it's like to feel marginalized in our own community, to feel vulnerable. I was just so tired of reading about women who have been through this without any support,” she said.
Women4Women provides resources and support for survivors, helping them navigate difficult and often dangerous situations.
“I want to be surrounded by the energy of women helping other women,” Whitlock said. “Nobody knows where you've been like somebody who has experienced it.”
Advocates warn that domestic violence can intensify over time, especially when warning signs are ignored or survivors struggle to access help.
“We see many times women who have called out for help and haven't received the support they need,” Whitlock said. “Their partner escalates in the attacks that they commit.”
She added that survivors often require long-term support, including trauma counseling and mental health services.
In another recent case, police say 23-year-old Nathaly Ramirez was pushed from a 15th-floor balcony by her ex-boyfriend while she was holding their 8-month-old daughter. The infant survived, but Ramirez died from her injuries.
Whitlock encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek support as early as possible.
“The first phone call is like a crisis phone call,” she said. “They can go to a Family Justice Center in every borough, get an order of protection and get police support as well if it is that dangerous for them.”
For those who are not ready to leave a relationship or involve law enforcement, Whitlock says organizations such as Women4Women and Safe Horizon can provide guidance, resources and a safe space to talk.
“It is scary to leave, especially when you have children that you're leading through this,” she said. “So it always helps to have someone with you.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Survivors can contact:
Local Family Justice Centers - Free, confidential support, including counseling, safety planning and connections to legal services. The Brooklyn Center can be reached at 718-250-5113
NYC’s 24-hour HOPE hotline: Call 1-800-621-4673 for safety planning, shelter assistance and referrals.
New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: Text 844-997-2121, call 1-800-942-6906, or access online chat through the website
A list of other statewide domestic violence programs in Kings County can be found here.
