Welcome to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The purpose of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence is to eliminate domestic violence in Rhode Island. Our mission is to support and enhance the work of our member agencies and to provide leadership on the issue of domestic violence. 

 

ProJo Op-Ed on Family Court and Child Safety

Family Court should champion children's safety  

By Deborah DeBare

During the last few months, the Rhode Island Family Court opened the door for new solutions that could provide greater safety for victims of domestic violence and their children. In its search for a new Family Court chief judge, the State of Rhode Island must weigh numerous credentials. In order to build upon the crucial work that Judge Jeremiah Jeremiah initiated this year, one of the top qualifications for the next chief judge must be a commitment to champion our children’s safety. 

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2010 Legislative Summary

The 2010 General Assembly session ended on June 11.  This session was full of small victories, all of which combine to set the Coalition up for a successful 2011 session.

RICADV was thrilled to learn that there were no state budget cuts passed for any domestic violence programs in the Rhode Island FY2011 state budget.  In these challenging economic times, this was wonderful news for our six member agencies.  RICADV also rolled out an impressive legislative agenda which received broad-based support, including the first-time introduction of the Domestic Violence Child Safety Bill and the Senate passage of the Clarification Bill.

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STATEMENT: Regarding the Domestic Murder of Lisbeth Catalan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 12, 2010
CONTACT: Sara Molinaro; (401) 467-9940; Cell: (732) 546-1162

Kristin Lyons, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Rhode Island, and Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence homicide rate on track to be highest ever recorded

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and community of Lisbeth Catalan. Her tragic death this Saturday in Providence reminds us how much work remains to be done to achieve a society that is free of dating violence and domestic abuse.”

“Ms. Catalan’s death marks the seventh life lost to domestic violence in Rhode Island this year. If the violence continues at this rate, we will see the highest number of domestic violence homicides ever, since the Coalition started keeping records in 1980.”

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2010 Legislative News

The General Assembly is in full swing and I have many exciting updates for you all. I'll try to keep this as brief as possible, so if you have any questions or want more details, let me know.
First, the DV Child Safety Bill. The press conference held regarding the release of the report "Safety for Children" went over very well, as many of you all know. There is now a HEARING on the legislation scheduled in House Judiciary for next Tuesday, the 30th. This will be the first hearing, and should be very exciting. Try to come if you can! Additionally, this bill has now been entered in the Senate by Senator Maryellen Goodwin (copy attached), so it is now in on both sides.
Second, the Clarification Bill. This bill is another RICADV priority, and has been introduced in the past. It makes domestic petty misdemeanors (such as disorderly conduct) qualify for enhanced penalties under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. There has been a hearing in both House and Senate Judiciary. WRCNBC's Veronica Hobbs did a wonderful job testifying at the House hearing, and WCRI's Carmen Gonzalez testified last night in the Senate!

The General Assembly closed in the early hours (around 4 a.m.) of June 11.  This is the earliest they have adjourned since 1988! The 2010 Legislative Session is one of small victories to help us set up for next year.

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