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  • Calling men in to prevent abuse

    Calling men in to prevent abuse

    Men can help build a world without violence. This June, our public awareness campaign called men in to learn how they can show up for all people - including women and trans and gender non-conforming people - in positive, affirming ways. Every day, men in our community can help build safe, healthy spaces where everyone can thrive. Learn more by visiting the Ten Men page of our website.
    Read More
  • Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

    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.
    Read More
  • Voices of Change

    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

    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.
    Read More
  • Improving accessibility for all domestic violence survivors

    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
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The Newsroom

Latest News

Statement regarding the domestic violence murder of Courtney Huard
By Toni Marie Gomes, executive director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Lucy Rios, interim executive director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

CUMBERLAND, R.I., July 22, 2022 – We are deeply saddened by the domestic violence homicide of Courtney Huard, who was fatally shot by her husband, Eric Huard, in their Cumberland home nearly a month ago, before he turned the gun on himself. Devastatingly, their children were home at the time of the murder-suicide and are now left without their parents. This domestic violence murder-suicide happened just before the start of what would have been an ordinary school day.

Courtney was a person – a friend, neighbor, community member, parent and a loved one to many. Courtney had dreams, goals and aspirations, all cut short by the final form of domestic violence: homicide. The aftermath of this murder-suicide impacts not only those who loved Courtney and Eric, but the community at large and the children who witnessed this violence.

In 2020 alone, children were reported present in 1,368 domestic violence incidents in Rhode Island that resulted in arrest, per the 2022 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook – a number that reflects only a percentage of the children witnessing violence at home, since domestic abuse is underreported. Each year in our state, children are present in nearly 2,000 police-involved domestic violence incidents. A total of 486 children who witnessed abuse received services from the RICADV’s network of member agencies in 2020, and because domestic violence is underreported, we know we are reaching only some of the children impacted by abuse in Rhode Island.

The children present during this murder-suicide in Cumberland are not only grieving the loss of their parents and navigating this crisis of domestic violence and gun violence right now – this hole in their lives and the trauma they have experienced will impact their futures and generations of their family. Witnessing domestic violence as a child can lead to serious long-term health and development issues, including depression, drug use, poor academic achievement and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Domestic abuse happens every day, in every Rhode Island city and town, and affects us all. Domestic violence is a community issue that calls for a community response.

As individuals, as a community and as a state, we have a role and responsibility to name domestic violence, know the warning signs, support those impacted by abuse and find ways to safely intervene. Rhode Island must continue to strengthen the response to domestic violence, to ensure no more lives are lost and no more children experience the traumatic loss of their loved ones.

How you can help: As relatives, friends, coworkers and neighbors, we can help keep victims and their children safe and prevent another tragedy. If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone who might be, or if you are looking for resources for a child who has witnessed domestic violence, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour support and information at 800-494-8100 or use the online chat feature at www.ricadv.org or www.bvacri.org.

Calling 911 if you suspect or witness abuse is an important step to take, but there are many other ways to help. If you know or suspect someone in your life is a victim of domestic violence, you can help that person stay safe. Listen, and express your concerns without judgment. Ask the person what you can do for them and check in consistently. Help the person create a plan that will keep them safe when abuse occurs and connect them with local resources. Additional information can be found at www.ricadv.org.

About the BVAC: The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Blackstone Valley area for over three decades, and now offers services in Providence County and northern Rhode Island. It is their voices, their struggles and their experiences, which guide our work. BVAC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and to provide education and awareness on the issue of domestic violence. Visit www.bvacri.org for more information.

About the RICADV: The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island and to provide statewide leadership on the issue. The organization has ten member agencies, strives to create justice for victims and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island. The RICADV's network of member agencies provides a wide array of services for victims, including emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100.

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Read More: Latest News

Communications Center

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month +

    We conduct statewide public awareness campaigns each October during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to help keep the issue of domestic violence visible, provide information about community resources, and engage Rhode Islanders in our mission to end abuse.
    Read More

  • Online Guide for Journalists +

    We work with the Rhode Island media to ensure that press coverage on domestic violence increases awareness about the issue, provides information about available resources, and engages the community to help end abuse. Visit the RICADV's Online Guide for Journalists for best practices on covering domestic violence.
    Read More
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Site Search

Teen Center

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

Safety Warning
If you suspect your computer is being monitored, use a safe computer in another location.

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.

Technology Safety

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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.

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AmazonSmile-webWhat 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

641 Bald Hill Rd., Suite 1
Warwick, R.I. 02886

T (401) 467-9940

F (401) 467-9943


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