Governor Chafee Proclaims February Rhode Island Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

Groups honor Champions for Change to U.S. Senator Whitehouse, State Senator Lanzi and local Rhode Islanders

[Providence, RI] Today, Governor Lincoln Chafee presented a proclamation marking February as Rhode Island Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. February was made National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month by the U.S. Senate in 2010 after years of "awareness months" for domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. Attention to teen dating violence has grown in recent years, especially after the murders of two young Rhode Island women, Katie Brown of Barrington and Lindsay Ann Burke of North Kingstown.

"I am proud to designate February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in Rhode Island," Governor Chafee said. "Teen dating violence has had a devastating effect on families and communities throughout our state, and we must work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our young people."

Several local agencies presented awards to "Champions for Change" for their work on teen dating violence prevention. This year's Champions are U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, R.I. Senator Beatrice Lanzi, Dawn Romans, a health teacher in the Warwick School District and the Chariho Theater Group from Chariho High School, with advisor and school social worker Tracy Jennerwein. The awards were presented by the Katie Brown Educational Program, the Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund, Day One and the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its six member agencies.

Read more: RELEASE Friday, February 3rd 2012

What Children See Can Hurt For Life

RICADV’s new ad campaign raises awareness about how Rhode Island children are harmed by witnessing domestic violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 4, 2011
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite at RICADV, (401) 467-9940; Cell: (401) 829-2564

Patricia Rivera speaks to a crowd of over 80 about her experience  as a mother of children who witnessed domestic violence.

[Providence, RI] Today, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence kicked off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by launching a new public awareness campaign about how children in Rhode Island are harmed by witnessing domestic violence. The campaign, titled “What they see can hurt for life,” shines a light on the often unstated reality that witnessing domestic violence has profound and lasting effects on children. The RICADV is promoting the new campaign by engaging community groups and social service agencies in the state who work with children who may be witnessing domestic violence at home.

“When we talk about domestic violence in Rhode Island, we often fail to mention the powerful impact it has on the children who live in those homes,” said Deborah DeBare, executive director of the RICADV. “We know that if children see or hear domestic abuse, it puts them at a much greater risk of being involved in an abusive relationship later in life. However, these risks can be lowered with appropriate counseling and strong relationships with non-abusive family members.”

Read more: NEWS RELEASE: October 4, 2011

New Report Shows Widely Differing Practices for Removing Firearms in Domestic Violence Cases in Rhode Island

Model law enforcement policy guarantees standard level of safety across state

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite at RICADV, (401) 467-9940; Cell: (401) 829-2564

[Providence, RI] Today, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence released a new report and model policy for law enforcement to help standardize policies for firearms seizure when officers respond to domestic violence calls. The report, Domestic Violence and Firearms: A Model Protocol, illustrates how practices differ widely across police departments in Rhode Island.

“In Rhode Island, when officers respond to a domestic violence call, there are widely differing practices when it comes to if, when and how to remove firearms from the situation,” said Deborah DeBare, executive director of the RICADV. “What that means is that a victim of domestic violence in one part of the state is not guaranteed the same safety as a victim in another.”

Read more: NEWS RELEASE: April 26, 2011

Five-Year Plan Recommends Strategies to Prevent Dating Violence Among Rhode Island Teens

State Steering Committee to work with local communities to build Rhode Island’s teen dating violence prevention system

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 28, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Molinaro at RICADV, Phone: (401) 467-9940

[Warwick, RI] As part of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence released a new plan today called Addressing the Violence Before It Starts, which recommends cutting-edge goals and strategies targeting men and youth for the prevention of intimate partner violence. The plan outlines 3 key strategies for domestic violence prevention: working with men, working with youth aged 12 and older, increasing the capacity of Rhode Island’s system of local prevention programs.

Read more: NEWS RELEASE February 28, 2011