 Laying a Foundation
We will look back at 2010 with both awe and sorrow in years to come. It was a year marked by the unfortunate record number of 10,410 domestic violence victims seeking services. In spite of considerably reduced funding, our member agencies were able to meet those needs, providing legal advocacy assistance, shelter and transitional housing, support groups and children’s
services. Tragically, 2010 also saw the highest number of domestic violence deaths among Rhode Islanders since we first began keeping records in 1980.
Nevertheless, we laid the groundwork for some of the most substantial changes seen in years, designed to make Rhode Island safer for victims of domestic abuse. After years of research,
we launched a bold campaign in collaboration with our task force of survivors, SOAR, to make Rhode Island’s child custody and visitation system safe for victims of domestic violence and
their children. We also expanded our education work using new public awareness strategies and increasing the number and diversity of trainings.
Within the pages of this Annual Report, we proudly highlight the foundations that we have built through our policy advocacy, prevention, public awareness programs and direct, one-on-one services for victims and families. We begin 2011 with renewed vigor to shape a Rhode Island that is intolerant of domestic violence, even after the spike in domestic violence incidents.
In addition, we continue to work with our member agencies to identify new strategies to address funding challenges in the face of greater needs among victims.
We cannot do this work without our supporters, donors, community partners, volunteers, staff, board members and SOAR members who are all working diligently toward our shared vision.
The groundwork we’ve laid in 2010 has truly built a momentum in our work to protect the lives and safety of Rhode Island’s families. Thank you so much for your support.
Sincerely,
Deborah DeBare
Executive Director
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Denise Barge
President,
Board of Directors |
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