Testifying on Wednesday in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial, clinical psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes explained that it’s uncommon for abuse victims to immediately report their experiences. According to Hughes, survivors often delay disclosure for months or even years due to fear of not being believed, fear of retaliation, or fear of being judged by others.
Dr. Hughes emphasized that emotional and economic concerns often play a major role. Many victims fear a shift in their financial stability or social network if they speak out. She testified that even under the best circumstances, revealing abuse is extremely difficult.
Victims typically disclose their trauma only when they feel safe, supported, and emotionally ready to put words to their experience, Hughes said. Initial disclosures are often made to someone the victim deeply trusts—such as a mother, a best friend, or a close confidant—and usually happen in fragments, rather than all at once.
She also noted that past threats from the abuser can severely impact a victim’s willingness to come forward. In many cases, survivors wait until they have safety measures in place before making a full disclosure.
During re-direct examination in the Diddy trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner questioned clinical psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes about her past work with defense attorneys. Dr. Hughes confirmed that she had previously been retained by some of the same attorneys now representing Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Dr. Dawn Hughes confirmed during cross-examination that she has never testified in defense of a man accused of a sex crime.
“That’s correct,” Hughes responded when questioned by Diddy’s attorney, Jonathan Bach, on Wednesday.
Hughes is a well-known expert witness in high-profile sex crime cases. She previously testified against R. Kelly in 2021 and against Keith Raniere, the leader of the NXIVM sex cult. In 2022, she took the stand in Johnny Depp’s defamation case against Amber Heard, testifying on Heard’s behalf.
Later this year, Dr. Hughes is also expected to testify for the prosecution in Harvey Weinstein’s rape re-trial, further solidifying her role as a key witness in major sexual misconduct cases.
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