Communications

Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Patricia Fasan

By Toni Marie Gomes, executive director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Krista D’Amico, deputy director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

PAWTUCKET, R.I., June 6, 2023 – We are deeply hurting to know another life has been stolen by domestic violence homicide in Rhode Island, with the devastating murder of 59-year-old Patricia Fasan of Pawtucket. Patricia was living as a roommate with her ex-boyfriend, 63-year-old Guy Williams. Yesterday, Williams threw her from a window, and she later died from her injuries. It is heart-wrenching that this is the fifth domestic violence homicide to occur this year in our state. Each of the other four victims were over the age of 60; Patricia was 59.

Patricia deserved to be safe in her home. It is a tragedy that she could not live her life in peace and with the safety she deserved. Our hearts are with Patricia’s family, her friends, and the entire Pawtucket community. As we process our grief, we also want to honor Patricia’s life. This horrendous act of violence does not define her, and we uplift the beloved relative, friend, and community member Patricia was to so many.

Victims of domestic violence face many barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. One significant obstacle is not being able to find or afford safe housing. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness because victims must often choose between staying safe or staying sheltered.

The current housing crisis in Rhode Island means that the lack of safe, affordable housing is one of the greatest barriers to safety for survivors in our state. The NNEDV’s Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report indicates that in a single day in Rhode Island in 2022, survivors made 49 requests for services that programs could not meet because they did not have the resources. Approximately 69% of these unmet requests were for emergency shelter, hotels, motels, and other housing. This is why the RICADV continues to advocate alongside our coalition partners to increase housing options and resources for victims and survivors.

Abuse often does not end just because the relationship has ended. In fact, the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is after they end, or attempt to end, the relationship with the abuser. The abuser is losing power and control and may escalate their violence as a result. When we learn that someone we know is experiencing abuse or living in fear, we can support their choices on how to best stay safe, and provide options to decrease isolation and increase connection and economic security. We all have a role to play in creating a safe and just Rhode Island.

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 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 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.

Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Janet Harrison

Krista D’Amico, Deputy Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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.

Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Leila Duarte Da Luz

Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

COVENTRY, R.I., May 10, 2023 – Today, we honor the life and bear witness to the devastating loss of 34-year-old Leila Patricia Duarte Da Luz. We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Leila. Leila was two months pregnant when she was killed in a domestic violence homicide. Her body was found in Carbuncle Pond in Coventry, RI, in December 2022. Gary Gromkiewicz, the father of the baby Leila was carrying, and Michael Lambert, a second suspect, have been charged with her murder.

Leila was a much beloved daughter, sister, and friend. She studied business law and had her entire life ahead of her, filled with possibility, dreams, and accomplishments. During a time that should have been full of hope and care, Leila’s life was taken from her. The leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States is domestic violence homicide.¹ Pregnancy and the birth of a child can cause an abusive partner to escalate their violence, as they may feel they are losing power and control. A 2021 study of maternal deaths in the U.S. found that women are more than twice as likely to die from homicide during pregnancy than from other pregnancy-related health issues.² It is critical for health care providers, including doctors, nurses, doulas, and community health workers, to have the training and policies in place to screen for and respond to domestic violence among the people they serve.

The RI state police did not release Leila’s name for nine weeks. It was Leila’s family and close friend who reached out to the media to share her identity, her life, and their story to share their love for their friend and family member. Even now, we are seeing media coverage that is limiting their description of Leila to “a pregnant woman.” It is well documented that women of color do not receive the same amount or type of media coverage and attention when they go missing or other tragedies happen to them.³ Leila’s name deserves to be heard and acknowledged, honored, and treated with respect, as we would with any victim of violence in Rhode Island. Furthermore, research shows women of color are significantly more likely to experience domestic violence in their lifetime.⁴ We must uplift and center the experiences of those who are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence as we work to raise awareness, support victims, and end abuse.

We all must act to prevent domestic violence before it happens and increase safety for survivors. To find information about the RICADV’s network of member agencies or connect with the resources in your area, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour confidential support and information at 1-800-494-8100 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org. The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, a member agency of the RICADV, serves the town of Coventry. Advocates are available to provide support and resources to victims and survivors of domestic violence. For more information, visit www.ebccenter.org.

¹ Lawn, R. B. & Koenen, K.C. Homicide is a leading cause of death for pregnant women in U.S. BMJ 2022; 379. https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj.o2499.full

² Wallace, M., Gillispie-Bell, V., Cruz, K., Davis, K., & Vilda, D. Homicide during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the United States, 2018-2019. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 138(5):762-769. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34619735

³ Franklin, J. (December 2022). Racial bias affects media coverage of missing people. NPR. Retrieved at https://www.npr.org/2022/12/05/1137193397/missing-persons-of-color-news-coverage-disparities.

⁴ An Overview of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States – 2010 Findings. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved at https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ipv-nisvs-factsheet-v5-a.pdf.

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.

Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Linda Beckman

By Judith Earle, Executive Director, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, and Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

COVENTRY, R.I., April 17, 2023 – We are deeply saddened by the domestic violence homicide of Linda Beckman, a 60-year-old Coventry community member who was shot and killed by her husband, 61-year-old James Beckman. Linda was beloved by her family, friends, and neighbors. She had a full life, passions, and aspirations, all cut short by gun violence. Tragically, this is the third domestic violence homicide to occur in Rhode Island this year. All three of the deaths involved a victim over the age of 60.

The murder of Linda Beckman was a preventable gun death that impacts not only those who loved Linda, but her neighbors and community as well. Between 2016 and 2020, 42% of the domestic violence homicides that happened in Rhode Island involved a firearm. Having a gun in the house increases the likelihood that a domestic violence homicide will occur by five-fold. This is why limiting access to firearms, especially for abusers, saves lives. The RICADV is committed to advocating for commonsense gun safety laws that will reduce the plague of gun violence in our communities and across the nation, including domestic abuse gun violence.

The shock that community members often feel in response to lethal domestic violence reminds us that misconceptions about abuse are still prevalent. Domestic violence can be perpetrated by an abusive partner regardless of their profession, socioeconomic status, age, or whether there is a documented history of violence. Victims of abuse may be suffering in silence behind closed doors. We must continue to raise awareness about the dynamics of abuse, services available for victims, and steps each of us can take to respond to and prevent domestic violence in our communities.

Our communities in Rhode Island are not immune to violence. This speaks to the importance of developing stronger, better-connected communities, where we know and support each other. As individuals, as communities, and as a state, we all have a role and responsibility to play in building a society free from domestic violence, a society where our community members can thrive.

The RICADV network of member agencies includes court advocates that can assist victims in applying for restraining orders, which can help to disarm violent abusers who have access to guns. To find a listing of member agencies or to be put in contact with one in your area, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour support and information at 800-494-8100 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org.

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.

Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Joseph Corsi

By Toni Marie Gomes, Executive Director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

PAWTUCKET, R.I., March 13, 2023 – We are deeply saddened by the domestic violence homicide of Joseph Corsi, an 84-year-old Pawtucket community member who was found dead in his home on Saturday after a neighbor called in a wellness check. His grandson, Matthew Dufresne, who resides at the same home, has been charged with the murder.

Joseph was living a full life well into his elder years and was a vibrant friend, neighbor, community member, parent, and grandparent. Joseph had dreams, passions, and aspirations, all cut short by domestic violence. The aftermath of this murder impacts not only those who loved Joseph, but the neighborhood and community at large.

According to the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice, 1,462 cases of elder abuse were reported in 2021 in RI –however, many cases go unreported. The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging reports that 10% of Americans over the age of 60 experience abuse each year, and they are twice as likely as their peers to be hospitalized because of abuse. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, and intentional neglect. As people age, if they experience domestic violence, it is more likely to occur from a family member. The National Council on Aging shares that in almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.

Like all victims of domestic violence, our elder community members deserve health, dignity, empowerment, and justice. And as individuals, as communities, and as a state, we all have a role and responsibility to play in building a society free from domestic violence, a society where our community members can thrive.

If you suspect elder abuse: As relatives, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, we can help keep victims safe and prevent another tragedy. Learn about the signs of elder abuse at: www.oha.ri.gov or call 401-462-0555 to anonymously report elder abuse with the RI Office of Healthy Aging.

If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone who might be, or if you are looking for resources for a child who has witnessed domestic violence, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour support and information at 800-494-8100 or use the online chat feature at www.ricadv.org or www.bvacri.org.

Calling 911 if you suspect or witness abuse is an important step to take, but there are many other ways to help. If you know or suspect someone in your life is a victim of domestic violence, you can help that person stay safe. Listen, and express your concerns without judgment. Ask the person what you can do for them and check in consistently. Help the person create a plan that will keep them safe when abuse occurs and connect them with local resources. Additional information can be found at www.ricadv.org.

About the 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 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.

By Toni Marie Gomes, executive director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, and Lucy Rios, executive director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Feb. 3, 2023 – This week, Joseph Pamula, a community member of Woonsocket, RI, was killed by his daughter in their home. This is a devastating reminder that domestic violence happens not only between intimate partners, but family members as well.

Sadly, Woonsocket has been disproportionately impacted by domestic homicides, with four of the twelve homicides that have occurred since 2020 happening there. Domestic violence is preventable when we address the factors that make abuse more likely to happen, such as poverty and a lack of community connectedness. We must also work to promote the conditions that safeguard against domestic violence, such as access to resources, including fair housing, employment, and mental health counseling. As a state, we must prioritize creating and investing in these kinds of community supports across Rhode Island.

It is critically important for all Rhode Islanders to know about the local resources available for victims of abuse and be able to access them. We want every survivor in our state to know that you are not alone. The RICADV’s network of member agencies provides compassionate, confidential services to help keep people safe who have been impacted by violence and support them on their healing journey.

Violence, including that which occurs behind closed doors within a home, impacts all of us, and there are steps each of us can take – as friends, relatives, parents, teachers, and policymakers – to end abuse. To learn about our efforts to end domestic violence in RI, find ways to get involved, and access resource information, 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 BVAC: Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center has been providing services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Blackstone Valley area for over thirty five years. It is their voices, their struggles and their experiences which guide the Center’s work. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to provide education and awareness on the issue of domestic violence. BVAC Serves Providence County and the northern R.I. community. The BVAC hotline and business line is: 401-723-3057.

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 has ten member agencies, 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 1-800-494-8100.