R&B singer Chris Brown was one of the most talked about people on the Internet tins week after his alleged temper tantrum on ABC's "Good Morning America." The now 21-year-old singer, whose fourth album dropped this week, went on what has been described as a destructive meltdown after a performance on the morning show following an interview by Robin Roberts, who asked questions about his violent attack two years ago on his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna.

On Tuesday, Brown allegedly trashed his dressing room at ABC studios, threw a chair at a glass window, took his shirt off and left ABC's Times Square studio in anger over the questions about his violent past. Reports indicate that Brown's fans are divided about his actions, but the stunt seemed to improve his album sales.

And while some may question whether it was fair of Roberts to even bring up the incident and his relationship with Rihanna, and others may question whether Brown's tainted image can ever recover, his reaction to the questioning brings the issue of domestic violence, and specifically domestic violence in the Black community, to the forefront once again.

According to new statistics from the NYPD, domestic violence in New York City is becoming a growing problem.

In a report released last week, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said that "police officers respond to over 700 domestic violence 911 calls each day in the city." This number puts New York City at the top of the list of all urban cities for domestic violence. Chicago is close behind, receiving 500 calls a day.

Recent local incidents of domestic violence getting out of control include last week's killing of 42-year-old NYPD Officer Alain Schaberger, who was killed while responding to a domestic violence call. This week, a former NYPD housing officer, Edwin Coello, was charged in the murder of his wife, Tina Adovasio.

However, statistics for domestic violence in the Black community overall are startling. The University of Minnesota's Institute on Domestic Violence in the African-American Community (IDVAAC) says that Black women experience domestic violence 35 percent more often than whites. In 2005, Blacks accounted for one-third of domestic violence homicides in the nation.

IDVAAC said that domestic violence in the Black community is closely related to economic factors, and that alcohol also plays a role in abuse. However, domestic violence can happen regardless of race, socioeconomic status or gender.

Brooklyn community activist and writer Kevin Powell is a strong supporter of eliminating violence against women. Powell had his own personal struggles with violence against women and is now an outspoken advocate for the cause.

"New York City is just a violent city," he said. "Many of us in leadership don't address domestic violence, and it's an epidemic in the Black and Latino community."

Powell added that violence against teen girls is on the rise and that media is playing a role. He blames negative images of females in music videos and movies, giving men validation for mistreating women. Powell fears that the numbers of domestic violence are actually higher because many victims do not report it.

"Sadly, it's a vicious cycle. Women of color are reluctant to report that they are being abused for fear of retaliation and the guilt of putting their attacker in the justice system," Powell said.

The city is also doing its part in getting the numbers of domestic violence incidents down by providing a wealth of services to victims in need. The city's Human Resources Administration offers help through its Office of Domestic Violence and Intervention Services.

Cecile Noel, who serves as deputy commissioner of the Office of Domestic Violence (ODV), said the city currently has 50 disclosed shelter locations for victims. The city also offers legal services and counseling. Noel said it just takes one phone call to get help.

"Domestic violence is a very private matter to people because it happens in the home," Noel said. "People often feel isolated, so what we have done is a lot of work in the community so folks out there know there is help and if they come forward someone will be there to help them."

ODV offers several community-based services for victims of domestic violence, including housing that is free of charge. For more information about domestic violence services, call the city's 24-hour hotline at (800) 621-HOPE or 311. Information is also available at www.nyc.gov.