Communications

JOHNSTON, R.I., May 25th, 2023 – We mourn the death of Janet Harrison, an 83-year-old Johnston community member who was killed in a domestic violence homicide yesterday. She was shot and killed by her son, James Harrison, in a triple shooting that claimed two lives. We grieve the loss of life of Janet’s neighbor, Thomas “TJ” May, who was also killed in the incident.

Janet had family and friends who loved her. She had a life full of achievements, hopes and dreams, all of which were lost due to this heinous act of gun violence. The murder of Janet Harrison is the fourth domestic violence homicide to occur in Rhode Island this year. All four incidents involved a victim over the age of 60.

Our hearts go out to Janet and TJ’s loved ones as they process this profound loss. We are devastated that TJ’s 15-year-old daughter was shot and injured in the incident, making her a victim and a witness of this horrendous act of violence.

When guns are involved, domestic violence becomes much more lethal. In a study of gun violence crimes in the U.S. from 2009 to 2016, over half, or 54% of mass shootings were related to domestic violence or family violence. Between 2016 and 2020, 42% of domestic violence homicides in Rhode Island involved firearms. Rhode Island needs more protective gun safety laws to prevent these tragedies. The RICADV, along with our violence prevention partners, remains committed to advocating for gun safety measures. This includes supporting the safe storage legislation and the assault weapons ban to protect victims of domestic violence and our community members.

Domestic abuse has damaging ripple effects, including the harmful ways it can affect children who witness violence or who lose parents or other loved ones to domestic violence. These impacts often last well into adulthood. We all deserve healing and safety. Our communities should be safe places free from violence where our families and children can grow and thrive.

Advocates at the RICADV member agencies can provide confidential support and resources for those impacted by domestic violence including children who witness violence, such as counseling services. Court advocates can also assist victims in applying for restraining orders, which can help to disarm violent abusers who have access to guns. To find a listing of the RICADV network of member agencies or to be put in contact with one in your area, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour confidential support and information at 800-494-8100 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org.

If you suspect elder abuse: you can learn more about the signs at www.oha.ri.gov and call 401-462-0555 to file an anonymous report with the RI Office of Healthy Aging.

About the EBCC: The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center provides wraparound services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including crisis hotline, safety planning, advocacy at the Kent County Courthouse, law enforcement advocacy, emergency safe shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing opportunities, specialized counseling, support groups for victims as well as for family members, case management to connect clients to housing and other basic needs, and financial literacy classes.  All services, including counseling, are offered at no cost to clients.  EBCC’s focused service area is Central Rhode Island (Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Cranston, North Providence, Johnston, Scituate and Foster as well as all other towns whose cases are heard at Kent) but clients statewide can access services at EBCC if that is safer for them.  Please call 401-738-1700, email info@ebchouse.org or visit www.ebccenter.org for services and 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 ten 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.