Quick Escape

STATEMENT September 25, 2010

Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Conrad Beaulieu

2010 domestic homicide rate on track to be highest ever

Lori DiPersio, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center and Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, September 25, 2010
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite at RICADV, Phone: (401) 467-9940; Cell: (401) 829-2564

“Our hearts go out to the family and community of Conrad and Diane Beaulieu. The tragic attack on their lives reminds us how far we have to go to achieve a society in Rhode Island that is free of violence in the home.

“Mr. Beaulieu's death marks the 8th life lost to domestic violence in Rhode Island this year. If the violence continues at this rate, we will see the highest number of domestic violence homicides ever, since the Coalition started keeping records in 1980.

“Though we often think of domestic violence as something that occurs between dating or married partners, this tragedy must serve as a harsh reminder that family violence is also domestic violence, and too often our elders are the victims of abuse. Research shows that one out of twenty elders will be abused by a family member. Most often, that family member is an adult child or grandchild of the victim.

“Family violence is much too common in our society, and no victim should suffer in silence.  We all must make a commitment to reach out to anyone who we suspect is in an abusive situation. Help is available. The Women's Resource Center provides direct services for victims, including elders suffering abuse. We have local hotlines in Newport (847-2533), Bristol (247-2070), Little Compton (635-2548) and Jamestown (423-9649).  

“There are five other domestic violence agencies in our state that provide a wide array of services, including 24 hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups and assistance with the legal system. We urge all Rhode Islanders to remember that if they hear or see someone being hurt to call 911 immediately and if they or someone they know needs support to call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100.”

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