Groups that help domestic violence victims in the Hudson Valley got a major boost of support Wednesday on the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A record-high $3 million federal grant was secured by Rep. Nita Lowey for domestic violence groups, like My Sister's Place in White Plains. Officials from My Sister's Place say the money is essential for them to keep programs open and reach more clients. The center also plans on creating programs to help victims of human trafficking.

Domestic violence survivor Wanda Roman says the center helped her and her children after she suffered emotional and physical abuse from her boyfriend.

"If this shelter didn't exist, if legal services didn't exist, if their counselors didn't exist, then I wouldn't be here," says Roman.