RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence Announces Expanded Services for Survivors
Friday, September 25, 2020
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) has announced that in collaboration with local agencies, it has expanded transitional housing capacity, outreach and supportive advocacy and community-based supportive services in local communities.
RICADV is working with member agencies Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (BVAC), Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRCSC), Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center (EBCC) and Women's Resource Center (WRC), and SOAR (Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships), to expand services into Providence, Woonsocket and the northern Rhode Island community.
RICADV's 24-HOUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE is 1-800-494-8100
BVAC's expansion will offer comprehensive, wrap-around services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and EBCC will provide individual counseling for victims of sexual assault.
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As part of the expansion, a new drop-in center managed by BVAC will be opened in Providence to meet community needs. Advocates will be on site to assist survivors and community members seeking resources and support.
The services to be offered at the center will include:
- Assistance with Crime Victim Compensation Program process and benefits and other applications
- Support groups in English and Spanish
- Individual counseling and counseling for children who have witnessed violence or experienced trauma
- Information about residential options for victims
- Referrals for domestic and sexual violence case management, advocacy programs and community resources
- Safety planning for survivors and their families
- Community education initiatives including skill-building workshops covering topics like financial literacy
- Program information for partnering community agencies
- Supervised visitation
The RICADV and its member agencies are committed to strengthening local relationships and partnerships, and to listening to the experiences of community members as essential steps for effectively meeting the needs of survivors in these communities.
Toni Marie Gomes, executive director of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, said, "For the last several decades, we have proudly served the Blackstone Valley, supporting survivors in their journey to safety. We are overjoyed to begin working in Providence, Woonsocket and northern Rhode Island, tailoring what we offer to better serve these communities."
She said, "These newly expanded services and resources, rooted in empowerment and in collaboration with community partners, will provide victims and survivors with crucial support and advocacy as they work to rebuild their lives free from violence."