RI Domestic Violence Groups Issue Call to Action Following Murder
Monday, May 12, 2014
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center released a statement regarding the domestic violence murder of Central Falls' Shelina Moreino this past weekend.
Groups Issue Public Pleas for Action
“We are extremely saddened by the death of Shelina Moreino, mother of an eight-year-old daughter and beloved member of her Central Falls community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been impacted by this heinous crime, which occurred early Sunday morning.”
“Shelina’s death is a grievous reminder that domestic violence is perpetrated every day in Rhode Island behind closed doors by abusers seeking to control their partners. It is important to realize that this crime was not an isolated incident but the final abusive act in a pattern of violent behaviors.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Domestic violence can escalate quickly, which is why bystanders who are close to these situations, including community members and loved ones, must take all warning signs seriously. No level of violence is tolerable. No abusive environment is safe. In most cases, no one expects the violence that they may have overheard, witnessed or even experienced to escalate to the point of homicide, but domestic murders continue to occur in Rhode Island each year. As relatives, friends, coworkers, classmates and neighbors, we must be able to understand and identify the signs of abuse and know how to intervene so that we can keep victims safe and prevent another tragedy.”
“Calling 911 if you witness abuse taking place is an important step to take, but there are also many other ways to help. We must all make a commitment to reach out to anyone whom we suspect or know is being abused. Listen, and express your concerns without judgment. Ask the person what you can do for them, and check in consistently. Assist them in developing a plan that will help them stay safe when abuse occurs, and connect them with local resources such as the statewide Helpline (1-800-494-8100).”
“Even with the protections that exist for victims of abuse through Rhode Island’s criminal justice system, domestic violence remains an epidemic. It’s taking place in every community in our state, and it’s happening to all kinds of Rhode Islanders, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status. Emergency services provided after abuse has occurred are invaluable lifelines for domestic violence victims and their loved ones; we must ensure that this safety net remains robust and accessible. We must also invest in the prevention of domestic violence in order to change the behaviors and environments that support it.”
“We cannot afford to lose another life to domestic violence, to watch it traumatize another child or devastate another family. People we know and love are suffering, and an alarming number of Rhode Island children are witnessing violence in the home. To break the cycle of violence, to create safe, connected communities for our families, neighbors and the generations to come, we must focus on stopping domestic violence from ever occurring in the first place. We cannot hesitate any longer. We must invest in both prevention and intervention if we wish to build a peaceful future.”
“Every Rhode Islander has a part to play. Even the smallest step can save someone's life, and the daily actions we take and choices we make can help strengthen our neighborhoods and keep each other safe. It will take increased resources and community involvement, but together we can end domestic violence.”
Rhode Island Domestic Violence Resources
“The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Blackstone Valley area for over two decades. The non-profit organization’s mission is to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and to provide education and awareness on the issue of domestic violence. The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center is a member of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Visit www.bvadvocacycenter.org for more information.”
“The RICADV's six local domestic violence agencies provide a wide array of services for victims, including 24-hour hotline support, 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. If you hear or see someone being hurt, call 911 immediately.”
“For additional resources on how to help someone in an abusive relationship, visit www.ricadv.org or call the statewide Helpline.”
Related Slideshow: Central Falls Third Year Transformation Report 10.18.13
The Central Falls School District released the week of October 15, 2013 its "Third Year Tranformation Report", conducted by the Education Alliance at Brown University and the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown.
The report is a detailed analysis of Central Falls High School's implemention of a comprehensive transformation plan adopted in 2010.
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