Communications

By Michelle LePage, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, and Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Narragansett, R.I., October 1, 2024 – On the first day of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are mourning the tragic loss of Hawazoe (Zoe) Robinson to a domestic violence homicide.

Zoe was a beloved member of the Narragansett community, and was killed by strangulation yesterday by her son, 27-year-old Bryan Wilson, in a senseless act of violence and violation of a no-contact order. This is the fourth DV homicide that has occurred in Rhode Island this year.

Zoe was a mother, a friend, a neighbor, and a community organizer. She was raised in Liberia and spent time raising funds to improve the lives of children back in her country of birth. She had a full life and dreams for her future, but it was cut short with a senseless act of violence.

For too long, domestic violence has been regarded as “private business” or a “marital issue.” Domestic violence is not just a family matter, it is a crime, it is preventable, and it is everyone’s business to help end it. It is important for our community to have a full understanding of the types of relationships where domestic violence can occur, including familial ones. Domestic violence is not exclusive to intimate partner relationships like spouses, former spouses, or dating partners. Tragic cases like the murder of Zoe Robinson, where an adult child murders their parent, also fall within the definition of domestic violence.

This incident highlights the importance of continued efforts to raise awareness in our communities and provide advocacy for the prevention of domestic violence. With nearly 1 in 2 Rhode Islanders having experienced domestic violence, it is clear we all know someone who is experiencing abuse, and we can all take a role in helping to prevent it.

For more information about resources available for survivors and how you can help, visit our website at www.ricadv.org. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the statewide confidential 24/7 RI Victims of Crime Helpline at 1-800-494-8100. The Helpline is also available via online chat at www.ricadv.org.

About DVRC: Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRCSC) is a nonprofit agency that works toward a future free of violence and to build a community in which each individual shares the responsibility to create a culture of safety and personal dignity. DVRCSC works collaboratively to offer safety, support, advocacy, education and a network of services to the residents of Washington County and is dedicated to both preventing and responding to domestic violence by working to change the social conditions, beliefs and social actions that perpetuate abuse. Please visit our website for additional information: www.dvrcsc.org

About the RICADV: The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island and to provide statewide leadership on the issue. The organization strives to create justice for victims and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island. The RICADV’s network of member agencies provides a wide array of services for victims, including emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100. And for more information about the RICADV, call us at 401-467-9940 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org.