Regarding the arrest for domestic violence of West Warwick Police Detective Jonathan Caldwell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sara Molinaro, RICADV: (401) 467-9940, Cell: (732) 546-1162

Statement by Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

“The response of the West Warwick Police Department, regarding the arrest of one of their own, Detective Jonathan Caldwell, for domestic disorderly conduct, demonstrates progress in the field of domestic violence. At the same time, questions surrounding the policies and protocols for handling police officers accused of domestic violence need to be raised.”

“We believe that implementation of a defined protocol in the case of police-involved domestic violence is in the best interest of establishing community trust, victim safety and departmental consistency. We hope that in this case, the West Warwick Police Department is complying with model policies and protocols pertaining to the surrender of firearms pending the outcome of the case.”

“Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of power and control which begins slowly, escalates over time, and is potentially deadly. Certain risk factors can heighten the chance of lethality, including the history of violence, threats of deadly force, and the presence of firearms. In this case, it is particularly troubling to see the contrast between reports that Detective Caldwell was charged with domestic assault in a 2008 case, and the court record which shows this current case as a first-time offense.”

Read more: STATEMENT Thursday, March 1, 2012

Regarding the domestic violence murder of Stacie Dorego

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sara Molinaro, RICADV: (401) 467-9940, Cell: (732) 546-1162

Statement by Judith Earle, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center & Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

"Our hearts go out to the children, family and community of Stacie Dorego. We are horrified and saddened by this gruesome act of domestic violence. Her tragic death, the first domestic violence murder of 2012, reminds us how far we still must go to realize a society free of domestic violence."

"We are particularly saddened to hear about such young children found at the scene of the crime. Domestic violence has powerful and long-term impacts on children who live in homes where domestic violence occurs. Children who witness violence often experience trauma-related problems ranging from developmental delays to trouble in school, and they are much more likely to become involved in abusive relationships as they get older. In 2011, member agencies of the RICADV provided shelter, counseling and other services to 739 children in our state."

Read more: STATEMENT Monday, January 23rd 2012

Regarding the apparent domestic violence murder/suicide of Amber & Jeffrey Arruda

Statement by Kristin Lyons, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Rhode Island & Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 26, 2011

CONTACT: Sara Molinaro, RICADV: (401) 467-9940, Cell: (732) 546-1162

“Our hearts go out to the children, family, friends and community of Amber & Jeffrey Arruda. We are horrified and saddened by this apparent act of domestic violence. Their tragic deaths are a harsh reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve a society free of domestic violence in Rhode Island. Our hearts break for the sons of the Arruda family, who will be forever impacted by losing both of their parents to domestic violence at such a young age.”

“Though not much has yet been released about the deaths of the Arrudas, the laws in Rhode Island are clear. Any act of violence between intimate partners in our state is classified as domestic violence under law. This tragedy reminds us that while not all domestic violence is reported, there is always a history. Victims often experience months or years of emotional, physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their intimate partner without ever having called the police.”

Read more: STATEMENT October 26, 2011

Regarding the domestic violence murder of Shirley Donnelly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 13, 2011

CONTACT: Sara Molinaro, RICADV: (401) 467-9940, Cell: (732) 546-1162

Statement from Deborah DeBare, executive director of the RICADV

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and community of Shirley Donnelly. We are horrified and saddened by this act of domestic violence. Her tragic death is a harsh reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve a society free of domestic violence in Rhode Island.”

“Ms. Donnelly’s appalling murder reminds us that domestic violence can be deadly no matter how it is inflicted. Abusers will use whatever weapons they have at their disposal to threaten, harm and control their victims. Sometimes those weapons are guns and knives, but too often we see ordinary objects like cell phones, used to stalk and harass. Sadly, we also know that abusers can end their victims’ lives using no weapon beyond their own hands.”

Read more: STATEMENT June 13, 2011