Statement by Deborah DeBare, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) and Linda Impagliazzo, Executive Director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center

Regarding the Domestic Violence-Related Murder of Timothy J. Robillard and Suicide of Robert Amado

"We are grieved at the alarming loss of life in Pawtucket that was reported late yesterday evening. Our sincere condolences go out to all those affected by this terrible crime."

"This incident reminds us that domestic violence is a community health issue, one that is not going away. People are often shocked and outraged that something so awful could happen where they live or to people they know. But we must recognize that domestic violence is pervasive and that no one is immune. One in four women and one in seven men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Domestic violence is perpetrated every day in every community in Rhode Island, and murder is often the final abusive act in a pattern of violent behaviors that came before."

"In addition to endangering those directly involved, domestic violence can rattle our neighborhoods, jeopardize our safety and take away our sense of security. Domestic violence unravels the fabric of our communities, and we must act now to prevent such violence from occurring in the future."

"We missed an opportunity this legislative session when the Rhode Island General Assembly failed to pass the Domestic Violence Prevention Fund, a critical step toward preventing future violence and to creating a world in which our neighborhoods and loved ones are safe. In the wake of this tragedy, we call on all Rhode Islanders to take a stand – we must make addressing domestic violence a priority if we truly wish to end it in our state."

"According to published police reports, the incident occurred due to a relationship that ended. Sadly, we know that attempting to end a violent relationship is often the most dangerous time for a person being abused, and our member agencies continue to provide services that keep domestic violence victims safe, including 24-hour hotline support and emergency shelter. Each of us can also do our own part as active bystanders to help those whom we suspect or know are witnessing abuse. Even the most basic step we take to help can save someone's life. Learn more at our website, www.ricadv.org, or call the statewide Helpline for more information."

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TEN MEN's broadcast public service announcements will air throughout the month, beginning Monday, June 9

[Providence, RI – June 6, 2014] Everyone can play a role in ending domestic violence in Rhode Island. Men can be especially effective agents of this social change. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence will launch its Men’s Campaign the week of June 9 with its group of male allies in RI, TEN MEN, at the center.

Domestic violence is not just a women’s issue, and TEN MEN are inviting all Rhode Island men to get involved. The group’s television public service announcement will air on Cox throughout the month. The commercial features the following TEN MEN members addressing domestic violence in their respective organizations, workplaces that represent different sectors of the community and address the need for community-level, as well as individual, responses to the issue of domestic violence:

• • Jay Gotra, CEO, Alliance Security
  • John Youte, Director of Outreach, Admissions and Student Services, Year Up
  • Reverend Don Anderson, Rhode Island State Council of Churches

Other current and previous TEN MEN members also appear in the television PSA, including:

Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence Receives Best Practices Communications Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Providence, RI – June 6, 2014] The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) on Wednesday received the Rhode Island Foundation's Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence Communications Award for the "KNOW MORE" public awareness and education campaign, which uses traditional and new media strategies to target specialized populations including men, youth, and the Latino community.

"We are excited to receive this recognition; raising public awareness about domestic violence, with a focus on changing social attitudes and engaging the community, is a critical part of our mission and we know that this award will help us continue leading efforts to end domestic violence. Our communication's team has done a remarkable job incorporating innovative and contemporary strategies into each facet of our work, and we know that this approach is going to make a difference in creating a better and safer Rhode Island community," said Deborah DeBare, RICADV's executive director.