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NFL's Troubles Help Shine Light On Domestic Violence, Advocates Say

(CBS) -- This week's headlines about domestic violence and the NFL are opening the doors for more survivors to talk about what was once taboo.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports some women feel it's about time.

The public cry is led by former victims of domestic violence, who make no apologies for taking advantage of the public attention to this hot topic.

"I say thank God," says Gwendolyn Chubb.

She says she suffered five years of random beatings before leaving her ex-husband. She's convinced that the recent news of NFL players accused of abusing their wives or girlfriends has an upside.

"It may give her the courage to make that phone call, to make that first step," Chubb says.

Pleas for help are flooding the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline. Since videotape of Ray Rice surfaced calls have more than doubled from an average of less than 500 a week to more than 1,000.

At the YWCA, CEO Dorri McWhorter has more than 100 emails from high-profile former victims of domestic violence.

"We've received emails that say things that people are willing to set up endowments for us, to offer and expand our legal services, as well as offer to come and work with our women directly," she says.

Advocates are hoping all the attention will lead to an increase in financial support for programs that help victims of domestic violence.

 

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