The Deborah DeBare Domestic Violence Prevention Fund (DVPF) was established by the Rhode Island General Assembly (R.I.G.L. § 12-29-12), creating a fund which has as its primary purpose the prevention of domestic violence and dating violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV).
The DVPF is administered by the RICADV and used to promote evidence-informed primary prevention programs in Rhode Island.
While clinical interventions and education are essential services for supporting individuals after violence has occurred, DVPF programs aim to prevent IPV before it happens in the first place and have a broader impact, such as policy, systems, and environmental change.
DVPF projects can, for example, support the implementation of the Lindsay Ann Burke Act in schools through climate and systems change strategies, such as policy implementation, staff training, and media campaigns, as well as community organizing strategies with district health and wellness committees, parent organizations, and athletic programs.
The goal of the DVPF is to address disparities in Rhode Island by supporting prevention strategies geared towards communities most impacted by IPV, including RI youth. The DVPF Advisory Committee looks to fund proposals that focus on engaging and affirming youth of color, LGBTQ, Two-Spirit, and gender-nonconforming youth, and youth with disabilities in IPV prevention activities.
The purpose of the DVPF is to increase the number of schools, community groups, and community-based agencies engaged in the public health approach to preventing IPV.