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Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Consent is yours to give, or not to give – the decision is yours. Setting up boundaries – physical or not, in any of your relationships – is a need and a right each of us has, and we deserve to have our boundaries respected. During Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM) in February and always, we affirmed everyone’s power in their personal decisions around physical, emotional and sexual consent and other boundaries, including use of personal time. In all of our relationships, whether with dating partners, friends, or family members, we have a right to say “no,” need more space, or change our minds.
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Voices of Change
Community organizations led by and for people of color have been leading the way – during this time of crisis and long before – to meet the immediate needs of community members, while also organizing for long-term solutions to end violence and inequity and build a safe, just world.
The Voices of Change video series shines a light on the organizations and communities leading transformative change efforts in our state. Through community-led and community-centered solutions, we can improve quality of life for all Rhode Islanders, support survivors of domestic and dating abuse and prevent violence before it happens in the first place. View the videos and learn more by clicking the button below. Read More -
Be an active bystander
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October, 2021, we called the community in – because it’s on all of us to end domestic violence.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, survivors have faced heightened barriers to safety that will leave long-lasting impacts, and they need our support on their journey to healing as they rebuild their lives after abuse.
Though DVAM has passed, you can continue to support survivors in your community by learning ways to be an active bystander. Domestic violence affects us all, and it is crucial to know the signs of abuse and learn where to get support or how to provide resources to someone experiencing dangerous situations. Together, we can create a safer Rhode Island for everyone.
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Improving accessibility for all domestic violence survivors
Disability or language fluency shouldn't be a barrier to safety, which is why the RICADV and the network of member agencies have added the "Recite Me" accessibility and language toolbar to our websites to improve accessibility to domestic violence resources for all Rhode Islanders.
Learn more about this accessibility feature by clicking the "read more" button. Read More -
Response to COVID-19
While Rhode Islanders adapt to the circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic to protect ourselves and our local communities from this virus, we at the RICADV know home is not a safe place for everyone – especially for victims of domestic violence and their children. The RICADV and our member agencies continue to work to expand our support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. We invite you to explore our COVID-19 resource center page, created to provide information about support and resources available for survivors and bystanders during the pandemic.
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The Newsroom
Latest News
Statement regarding the domestic violence murder of Sherbert Maddox
By Toni Marie Gomes, executive director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Lucy Rios, interim executive director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence PROVIDENCE, R.I., March 23, 2022 – We are heartbroken by the domestic violence homicide of Sherbert Maddox, who was killed by a man believed to be her partner in the home they shared. Maddox was known as a beautiful soul by her loved ones, and this devastating loss of life leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of her friends and family and the entire community. Loved ones shared their messages of grief and sorrow after Maddox was killed, and our hearts ache for those who will continue to be impacted by this violence and the void it has left in their lives.
Maddox’s life was stolen from her by a person who had a history of domestic abuse – the single biggest predictor of lethality risk of domestic violence homicide. Police said it appeared Maddox was killed after being shot, and there were multiple firearms in the home. Access to guns is another domestic violence homicide risk factor, and the presence of a gun can be the determining factor in whether or not a perpetrator’s attack becomes deadly.
We can help break the cycle of violence by doing more to prevent domestic abuse homicides from happening. All systems including the courts, law enforcement and gun dealers must do more to ensure firearms stay out of the hands of dangerous individuals. This should include court officials monitoring case files, conducting compliance review hearings and enforcing court orders with appropriate remedies. R.I. courts should utilize specialized check lists that prompt judges to ask about the presence, location and surrender-status of firearms in all domestic violence cases to prevent these gun-related homicides.
As friends, relatives, colleagues and neighbors, we may be the first people to learn about the violence a victim is experiencing. Resources are available to both victims and bystanders looking to support their loved ones by connecting with a domestic violence victim advocate via the 24/7 confidential statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100, or using the online chat at www.ricadv.org.
Teen Center
Abusive relationships impact young people, too. Visit our Teen Center to find resources and information for young people in RI.
Spotlight
- Be Tech Safe
- News & Events
- AmazonSmile
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To immediately leave this site, click the ESCAPE box on the bottom right or press the ESC (Escape) key on the upper left of your keyboard.
For more information about technology safety, visit TechSafety.org, a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
Do you want to help end domestic violence in your community?
Visit our Calendar of Events to find ways to get involved!
To stay up to date on the work we do and how you can play your part, sign up to receive RICADV emails.
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the RICADV every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at http://smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the RICADV.
On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Choose the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence to support us. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation.
About the RICADV
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. We were formed in 1979 to support and assist the domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island. We provide leadership to our member agencies, strive to create justice for victims, and raise awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island.
Member Agencies
Our network of member agencies provides comprehensive emergency and support services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Services include 24-hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services, and assistance with the legal system. For more information, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100 or click here.
Contact Information
F (401) 467-9943