Communications

By Lucy Rios, executive director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

WEST GREENWICH, R.I., January 8th, 2025 – We join the victims’ family and the entire community of West Greenwich in deep mourning for the loss of Danielle Arruda and her children, who were murdered last week by the children’s father, Nicholas Arruda, who then took his own life.

Danielle and her children had their entire lives ahead of them, with hopes and plans for the future. This was all cut short by Nicholas Arruda in this violent murder-suicide.

After terrible incidents like this one, community members are often left in shock. They ask what the motive was and wonder how this could happen where they live. We often hear “this doesn’t happen in my neighborhood,” but we know that domestic violence happens in every corner of our state, in every city and town across Rhode Island. Nearly one in two Rhode Islanders has experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to maintain power and control over the victim. Homicide is the ultimate act of power and control. Danielle was 7 months pregnant. Pregnancy is one of the most dangerous times for a victim of domestic abuse. The abuser may feel like they are losing control and may escalate their tactics, increasing the risk of lethal violence. Nicholas Arruda had a history of domestic violence and owned multiple firearms. These are also risk factors for domestic violence homicide.

Victims and survivors of abuse are our friends and family members, coworkers and neighbors. Domestic violence is a community issue that requires a community response. Every Rhode Islander has a role to play in supporting victims and survivors, such as learning about community resources, understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, and reaching out to express your concern if you know or suspect someone you care about is experiencing abuse.

If you live in West Greenwich or the surrounding area, the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center is available for support and resources at 401-738-1700. 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 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.