RI Sees Spike In Domestic Violence Reports: Coronavirus

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's leaders gathered in a virtual town hall Thursday morning to raise awareness and offer support of domestic violence, particularly during social distancing. Gov. Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island's congressional delegation, Attorney General Peter Neronha, State Police Colonel James Manni and others announced the launch of the department's Safe at Home website, a resource for Rhode Islanders in need.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis in Rhode Island, 911 calls related to domestic violence have risen dramatically, Raimondo said. While many people automatically associate domestic violence with female victims or romantic partners, the umbrella also includes elder abuse, child abuse, financial abuse and more, she said.

"We are serious about this," Raimondo said. "We are a powerful group of people here to say we want every Rhode Islander to be safe."

Rhode Island has seen an increase in domestic violence allegations, said Womazetta Jones, the secretary of the state's executive office of health and human services. With school, day programs for seniors and other programs closed, there are fewer "critical eyes" on people who may be at risk of abuse, Jones said. Teachers, doctors and other mandatory reporters are trained to spot signs of abuse and intervene, and the lack of in-person interaction makes it easier for people to slip through the cracks.

"We're with you and we will stand with you to out and end to this scourge in Rhode Island, said Sen. Jack Reed.

The Safe at Home website offers victims resources and information. The following hotlines are also available to those who need them:

• Text 741741 to be connected to be a crisis counselor
• Elder abuse: 401-462-0555
• Child abuse: 1-800-RICHILD
• Hotline for crime victims: 1-800-494-8100

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