RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence Responds to Murder of East Providence Woman

The Rhode Island coalition against domestic violence has issued a statement in response to the murder of 42-year-old Christine Santurri of East Providence on mother’s day.

Police said Santurri was killed by an ex-boyfriend who she was trying to keep away; she had filed a restraining order not too long before Yuland G. Stan, 43, stabbed her multiple times and fled into a nearby cove before police dragged him from the water and took him into custody.

“Christines domestic violence murder by her ex-boyfriend, Yuland Stanfield, is a tragic reminder that domestic violence is perpetrated every day in Rhode Island by abusers seeking to exert power and control over their partners. Stanfield has a lengthy history of domestic violence assaults dating back to 1992,” said Kristin Lyons, executive director of Womens Center of Rhode Island; and Deborah DeBare, executive director of Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence in a joint statement. “It is important to realize that this crime was not an isolated incident but the final abusive act in a pattern of violent behaviors, all of which need to be taken seriously by law enforcement and our communities.”

Below is the full statement:

We are extremely saddened by the death of Christine Santurri, mother of three children and beloved member of her East Providence community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been impacted by this heinous crime, which occurred Sunday morning in front of Christines eldest daughter.

Christines domestic violence murder by her ex-boyfriend, Yuland Stanfield, is a tragic reminder that domestic violence is perpetrated every day in Rhode Island by abusers seeking to exert power and control over their partners. Stanfield has a lengthy history of domestic violence assaults dating back to 1992. It is important to realize that this crime was not an isolated incident but the final abusive act in a pattern of violent behaviors, all of which need to be taken seriously by law enforcement and our communities.

Police receive more than 20 domestic violence calls every day in our state. Even with the protections that exist for victims through Rhode Island’s criminal justice system, domestic violence remains an epidemic. It is taking place in every RI community and is happening to all kinds of Rhode Islanders, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Our systems need to take victim concerns and violations of restraining orders seriously. Violations of protective orders are an indication of stalking, which is a serious and significant homicide risk factor. When such lethality factors are present in a case, it is critical that systems prioritize taking immediate action to protect victims and their families.

No level of violence is tolerable. No abusive environment is safe. In most cases, no one expects the abuse that they may have overheard, witnessed or even experienced to escalate to the point of murderbut domestic violence homicides continue to occur in Rhode Island each year. Because domestic violence can escalate quickly, bystanders close to the situation, including community members and loved ones, must heed all warning signs. Every Rhode Islander has a part to play. Even the smallest step can save someone’s life.

The bottom line is that we must build systemic intolerance and community connectedness to stop domestic violence from being a threat to every Rhode Islanders future. We cannot hesitate any longer. 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 at once take victim concerns seriously and also work to stop domestic violence from ever occurring in the first place.

The safety net of crisis services invaluable lifelines for domestic violence victims after abuse has occurred must remain robust and accessible. Additionally, we must focus on the prevention of domestic violence if we are to ever stem the tide. We can’t afford to ignore domestic violence any longer. It will take increased resources and community involvement, but together we can prevent and end domestic violence.

Ways to Help:

As relatives, friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors, we must be able to understand the dynamics of abuse, identify warning signs, and know how to intervene so that we can keep victims safe and prevent another tragedy.

Calling 911 if you suspect or witness abuse is an important step to take, but there are 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. Help them create a plan that will keep them safe when abuse occurs, and connect them with local resources, such as the statewide Helpline (1-800-494-8100). Additional resources and information can be found at www.ricadv.org.

About the Womens Center of Rhode Island:

Established in 1974, the Womens Center of Rhode Island (WCRI) has continued to provide comprehensive services and hope for a better tomorrow for victims of domestic violence for over forty years.

In their mission to end interpersonal violence, they seek to empower all they serve through culturally competent programs that provide safety, shelter, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence. The agency works collaboratively to prevent the occurrence of violence and to educate the community about the dynamics of violence.

WCRIs comprehensive programs and services include shelter, case management, life skills coaching, parenting, counseling, advocacy, referrals, and support to help clients access education, employment, health and legal services, protective orders, and safe housing. In addition, their hotline services are available 24 hours per day/seven days per week, and they also provide educational and community outreach programs.

About the RICADV:

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island. The organization provides leadership to its six member agencies, strives to create justice for victims, and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island.

The RICADV’s member 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.