LETTERS

Let's renew commitment to end domestic violence

Posted 10/6/16

To the Editor, The month of October brings many traditions to Rhode Island: hay rides, pumpkin carving and apple picking, among others. It also marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring the 1 in 8 women who will develop the illness in their

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LETTERS

Let's renew commitment to end domestic violence

Posted

To the Editor,

The month of October brings many traditions to Rhode Island: hay rides, pumpkin carving and apple picking, among others. It also marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring the 1 in 8 women who will develop the illness in their lifetime.

Many do not realize that October is also the national awareness month for a less frequently discussed, but equally important, public health issue: domestic violence.

One in 4 Rhode Islanders will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In fact, 1 in 10 Rhode Island high schoolers report that they have already experienced physical dating violence. Because RI communities are so close-knit, we have all witnessed the suffering caused by domestic violence, or know someone who has.

In 2016, seven lives were lost to domestic violence murders in Rhode Island. Even when domestic violence does not escalate to homicide, abusive relationships are harming our neighbors, family members, friends and coworkers.

This October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we can all find a way to renew our commitment to ending domestic violence. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. As a community, we can help to create a Rhode Island where domestic violence is no longer tolerated, to raise awareness of the issue and explore ways in which we can all work together to help prevent it.

On October 3, Warwick Mayor Scott Advedisian hosted the annual John G. Earle, Esq. Legal Advocacy Fund Reception to benefit the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center. This event raises money to support the Legal Advocacy work we do with victims of domestic violence throughout West Warwick, West Greenwich, Coventry, Scituate, Foster, Gloucester, Johnston, Warwick, East Greenwich, Lincoln, North Providence, North Kingstown, North Smithfield, and Smithfield. On behalf of our Board of Directors, our staff, and our clients, thank you to all who help make it a success year after year.

If each one of us makes a commitment this October to say or do something to help end domestic violence, just think about the collective impact we can have. Imagine the change we can be in the world! I hope you will join the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center online at www.ebccenter.org, on our Facebook page, or at one of our events. Help us build a safer, more peaceful Rhode Island!

Judith Earle

Executive Director

Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center

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