Communications

PAWTUCKET, RI, March 13, 2026 – The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) and the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center are mourning the life lost in the tragic domestic violence homicide in Pawtucket this past Sunday evening. We lift up and honor the life of Lida Louis, whose life mattered deeply and ended far too soon. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and the Pawtucket community as they process this senseless tragedy.

This is the second domestic violence homicide in Pawtucket within a month, following the shooting at the Lynch Arena in February. We have already lost a total of four lives to domestic violence in Rhode Island in 2026. This level of loss and grief in such a short period of time is not only devastating for our communities, but it also reflects a deeper crisis our state cannot ignore. We know that nearly 1 in 2 Rhode Islanders experiences domestic violence in their lifetime – it occurs in every corner of our state.

Lida was only 34. A recent analysis of domestic violence homicides from the RI Department of Health’s Violent Death Reporting System shows that 70% of the victims were women, and half of all victims were between the ages of 25 and 44. To our understanding, Lida was new to the area and did not have many connections or community here. While there is no documented criminal history for the suspect of this incident, that does not mean domestic violence was not present prior to Sunday’s tragedy.

We know that domestic violence is a pattern of power and control that often escalates over time. Taking someone’s life is the most extreme act of that control. We also know that domestic violence often goes unreported, and it thrives when a victim is isolated from support, community, and family. This is why survivor-centered services, strong state and community partnerships, and sustained investment in prevention and response programs are so critical to keeping people safe and supporting survivors.

We will continue to hold Lida’s family and friends in our minds as our communities cope with this heartbreaking loss. RICADV is committed to working toward a future where no one experiences domestic violence.

Domestic violence is preventable, and support is available throughout Rhode Island. The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (BVAC) is available to support anyone affected by this tragedy. There are also advocates available statewide that can assist with safety planning, counseling, and connecting survivors and families to essential resources. Contact the statewide 24-Hour Victims of Crime Helpline: 1-800-494-8100 or visit www.helplineRI.com and chat with an advocate.

Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (BVAC)
24-Hour Helpline: (401) 723-3057

About BVAC: The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (BVAC) has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Blackstone Valley area for over three decades, and now offers services in Providence County and northern Rhode Island. It is their voices, their struggles, and their experiences, which guide our work. BVAC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and to provide education and awareness on the issue of domestic violence. Visit www.bvacri.org for more information.

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.

*If you are a member of the media on deadline and are reaching out after hours, please contact the Rhode Island statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100.