Regarding the domestic violence murder of Shirley Donnelly

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.”

“It is not surprising to us when neighbors or co-workers describe an abuser as a ‘nice guy’ or are shocked by the violence that has occurred. Abusers often show a very different face to the outside world than they do to their victims, and victims may be ashamed to admit the abuse. However, we know there is always a history of abuse in relationships that end in murder, because domestic violence is a pattern of power and control that escalates over time. Tragically, murder is the ultimate expression of that control.”

“We must work harder in our society to stop abusive relationships from escalating to the point of deadly violence by bringing batterers to justice and offering safety to victims and children. We know that if we want to stop domestic violence murders in Rhode Island, we need to stop domestic violence.”

“We all must make a commitment to reach out to anyone who we suspect is in an abusive situation. Help is available. There are six local 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 13, 2011

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