Cassie Ventura has shared a new statement following last week’s release of graphic 2016 footage in which Diddy is seen assaulting her. The singer thanks “family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet†for their support, before noting that the abuse she faced is not only a personal issue — it’s a pervasive one. “Domestic Violence is THE issue,†she wrote in the statement posted to Instagram on May 23. “It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.†Cassie then called upon the public to believe victims. “Thank you for everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously,†she wrote. “My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in. I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear.â€