This National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we called the community in because it’s on all of us to end domestic violence.
For the past year and a half, survivors of abuse have been facing two crises: The COVID-19 pandemic and violence at home. Even for survivors who are no longer in violent situations, the pandemic has raised barriers to safety with loss of income, lack of childcare support and threats to safe, stable housing, leaving a long-lasting impact. Survivors need our support on their journey to healing and rebuilding 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.
How can you get involved? Follow us on social media to hear stories from community partners working to address root causes of domestic violence, attend our upcoming training sessions for community members and check out our statewide public awareness campaign below calling Rhode Islanders in to learn more about subtle and commonly overlooked forms of abuse.
During DVAM, we shared radio and Pandora public service announcements in English and Spanish, broadcasted TV public service announcements across local stations, were featured in interviews with local media and displayed billboards and ads throughout our state.
The "Know the Signs" campaign focuses on recognizing lesser-known forms of abuse, like controlling a partner's finances, forcing a partner to share passwords and unwanted touching or grabbing.
Visit our Teen Center to find resources and information for young people in R.I., and to learn about our public awareness efforts in February, national Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Learn more about our previous public awareness campaigns below.
2020 & 2021 – Know the Signs
During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2020, we launched a new public awareness campaign, calling the community in because it’s on all of us to end domestic violence.
Re-launched in 2021, our campaign called Rhode Islanders in to “know the signs” and urged each of us to learn more about subtle and commonly overlooked forms of abuse. The campaign was created by listening to the voices of our community and survivors. The talented art director, Loretta Kennedy, drew from the experiences of survivors to inspire the look, feel and message of the campaign.
Throughout the month of October, Rhode Islanders were invited to hear survivor stories on social media, hear radio and Pandora public service announcements in English and Spanish, see TV public service announcements across local stations and see billboards and ads displayed throughout our state. We also shared video interview series and were featured in stories including in The Providence Journal. If you missed our virtual community meeting and campaign reveal event in 2020, you can view it here.
We welcomed all Rhode Islanders to sign up for any of our upcoming training sessions, share our social media posts and start conversations. Domestic abuse affects us all, and it is crucial to know the signs to learn where to get support or how to provide resources as a bystander. Learn what you can do to end domestic abuse, and get involved.
2019 – Hidden Meanings RELAUNCH
In 2019, we re-launched our Hidden Meanings campaign with a new look, shedding light on subtle tactics abusers use to gain power and control. Abusers minimize their actions and discredit their partner's feelings, saying things like, "I was just joking," or downplaying forms of physical abuse as a "joke."
In English and Spanish, survivor stories were shared through a social media video series #SurvivorStories, public service announcements were broadcast through Pandora, Spotify, and several R.I. radio stations, and billboards and ads were displayed across the state – including on the scoreboard and digital signage at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, across social media platforms, and in over 50 newspapers and publications including The Providence Sunday Journal. SOAR and Ten Men members were also interviewed for multiple news stories, shedding light on how domestic abuse is not always obvious.
Campaign
PSA
Radio PSA
Posters
Survivor Stories
Survivor Stories video series
2018 – Hidden Meanings
In 2018, we launched a statewide public awareness campaign called Hidden Meanings, to send the message that domestic violence is not just physical.
Shining a light on other forms of abuse, the campaign calls on Rhode Islanders to learn more about the warning signs and be able to identify potential red flags in a relationship. For information about the dynamics and warning signs of intimate partner violence, read our informational handbook Peace At Home.
The campaign was featured on buses and billboards throughout the state, and on local radio stations and Pandora. Click below to learn more.
Campaign
PSA
Radio PSA
Posters
Vigil
Vigil at the Rhode Island State House
During the week of October 14th, the RI State House was illuminated in purple to raise awareness about domestic violence.
On Tuesday, October 16th, we held a candlight vigil in partnership with our member agencies on the steps of the Rhode Island State House, to remember and honor all those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
2017 – No More Silence
No More Silence
1 in 4 Rhode Islanders is a victim of abuse. They are our loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. When we stay silent, domestic violence thrives.It's time for all of us to speak up, learn about the warning signs, and help end domestic violence.
This public awareness campaign features URI student athletes speaking out against domestic violence and asking their fellow Rhode Islanders to do the same.
Domestic violence impacts all of us, and will take all of us, together, to end it. How will you “get off the bench”? How will you play your part?
Campaign
PSA
Television PSA
A radio public service announcement also aired in both English and Spanish.
Poster
2014 – Know More. Do More.
In 2013 and 2014, the RICADV launched a public awareness campaign to help bystanders "Know More and Do More" to end domestic violence in Rhode Island.
The 2013 campaign focused on empowering individuals to take action. Then in 2014, we engaged communities and organizations to get involved, as a strategy to create more widespread, sustainable change.
PSA
Posters
Radio & PANDORA PSA
2013 – Know More.
Video Project
PSA
Poster
KNOW MORE VIDEO PROJECT:
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BYSTANDER STORIES
SURVIVOR STORIES OF BYSTANDER INTERVENTION
CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM
We need community leaders to support and drive efforts to address and end domestic violence. In 2013, Governor Raimondo (who was General Treasurer at that time) got involved in our campaign to raise awareness about the Crime Victim Compensation Program.
Gina M. Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island (former RI General Treasurer)
This National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we called the community in because it’s on all of us to end domestic violence.
