Quick Escape

STATEMENT March 29, 2011

Regarding the Alleged Domestic Violence Murder of Maria Almeida Turmel

Statement of Linda Impagliazzo, Executive Director of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center and Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 29, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Molinaro at RICADV, (401) 467-9940; Cell: (732) 546-1162

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

“This tragedy reminds us that when someone murders his or her intimate partner, there is always a history of abuse in that relationship. The abuse may not be documented in the form of police reports or visits with victim advocates. Neighbors or co-workers may not know the true extent of the abuse. From afar, a couple in an abusive relationship might really seem like a ‘nice couple’ or one with ‘normal problems’. 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.”

“We know, however, that when there is an intimate partner murder, there was always abuse beforehand. We know this because domestic violence is a systematic exertion of power, which escalates over time, by an abuser who believes that he or she is entitled to control the victim. Tragically, murder is the ultimate expression of that control.”  

“We must remember that domestic violence happens in all communities, and no race, class or group of people is exempt. Victims may be hesitant to contact the police for many reasons, including fears of retaliation from the abuser, economic insecurities about losing the abuser’s income, concerns about immigration status, and emotional connections to a long term relationship. However, 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. Domestic violence happens in every community, and no one is immune to it. The good news is that 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.”

###