Main Street Stroll To Benefit Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center

According to Law Enforcement Advocate Audrey Scott, the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center provided free services to East Greenwich victims of domestic violence and sexual assault every week in 2010.

Since March of this year she has spent part of her time on site in the police department, providing support information and referrals to victims. She also covers Coventry and West Greenwich.

On Thursday, Sept. 1, Main Street merchants will help bring attention to the program with a “shop for a cause” event coinciding with the . Those displaying purple ribbons will offer financial support in a number of ways, including providing gift certificates or donating a portion of their proceeds to the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center.

In addition, volunteers hope to have a table set up to collect donations - a list of much-needed items is at the end of this story.

Scott and Kayla Boss, who helps provide transitional housing for victims, will have an information table set up in front of Town Hall.

Scott says the main focus of the effort is to get the attention of the community and that money raised will help provide safe shelter, transitional housing, court assistance and individual and group support.

She is one of ten law enforcement advocates statewide who work in 22 cities and towns, offering assistance whether or not an arrest is made. The National Institute of Justice says most crimes related to domestic violence are not reported to police.

There is a big cost to what is now often described as intimate partner violence, according to the Bureau of National Affairs, citing as much as $3 billion to $5 billion annually in lost time and productivity.

The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, located in Warwick, has been providing free services to victims of abuse for some 30 years. 

Elizabeth Buffum Chace was a Quaker who grew up in Smithfield in the 1800s. She was outspoken and active regarding women’s rights, slavery and prison reform. At great risk to their family, she and her husband operated their home in Valley Falls as a stop for escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad leading to Canada.

Here is a list of some of the most-needed donation items. You can also refer to the website www.ebccenter.org or send an email to ascott@coventrypd.org

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
Plastic food storage containers (all sizes)
Food-serving gloves
Floor cleaner
Bathroom cleaner
Shower cleaner
Scouring pads (SOS, Brillo)
Magic eraser
Clorox wipes
Table napkins
Latex and non-latex gloves (disposable; sizes med-large only)