Quick Escape

STATEMENT December 21, 2010

Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Tracey Pytka


Linda Impagliazzo, Executive Director of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Lucy Rios, Director of Prevention at the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 21, 2010
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite; (401) 467-9940; Cell: (401) 829-2564
Linda Impagliazzo; (401) 723-3057

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and community of Tracey Pytka. We are horrified and saddened by this act of domestic violence. Her tragic death, which is the 11th life lost to domestic violence this year in Rhode Island, is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve a society free of domestic violence.”

“It is not surprising to us when neighbors or co-workers describe an abuser as a “nice guy” or are shocked by the violence. Abusers often show a very different face to the outside world than they do to their victims. Domestic violence is about exerting systematic power and control over an intimate partner or family member, which   escalates over time. Sadly, murder is the ultimate expression of that control.”

“This tragedy reminds us that even when there is no ‘recorded’ history of domestic violence in a relationship, abuse can exist. Not all domestic violence is reported, but 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.”

“Particularly during this time of year, when we gather with friends and family members to celebrate the holidays, we must remember that domestic violence happens here in our communities. No neighborhood or class of people is exempt -- people from all walks of life can be abused or abusive. No one is immune from 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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