YWCA helps hundreds of women, children in domestic violence - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

The man who helped rescue three women being held against their will at a home in Cleveland has quickly shot to fame for his actions, but it was something he said that drew the attention of advocates for the victims of domestic violence.

Charles Ramsey said he heard Amanda Berry, who had been missing since 2003, screaming for help at his neighbor's house.

Ramsey said he thought Berry was in a situation involving domestic violence, so he helped Berry break down the door and run to freedom.

YWCA officials say domestic violence should not be ignored in the community.

The YWCA answers thousands of calls each year and helps hundreds of women and children who are living in a potentially violent situation.

"So often in our society, people think 'It's just domestic violence. It's none of my business.' But it's everybody's business," said YWCA spokeswoman Michelle Mowery. "We certainly wouldn't advocate for people to burst down the door, because you don't know what is on the other side, but people do need to know there are resources that - if there is a domestic violence situation going on - there are places to call and people you can turn to to have a safe plan of exit."

The YWCA says anyone who has witnessed domestic violence or is in a violent situation can call its 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-334-4628.

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