Alexis Rapoza
News Editor
Last Thursday, the R.I. Coalition against Domestic Violence (RICADV) launched a new campaign called the “No More RI” campaign to mark the start of Domestic violence awareness month. “No More RI” urges Rhode Islanders to “know the signs and share the collective responsibility of ending domestic abuse.”
A press release put out by the RICADV on Thursday asserts that “it is all on us” to end domestic violence. The organization stated that “No More RI” calls attention to the subtle and often overlooked signs of domestic violence and has been in development for almost a year. RICADV asserted that by listening to the voices of survivors in the community, art director Loretta Kennedy was able to create a campaign inspired by their experiences.
The “No More RI” campaign consists of ads that will be on billboards, buses, the Convention Center, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Dunkin Donuts Center and local businesses and health clinics across the state. Ads can also be seen in local newspapers and on social media, as well as a special ad in Spanish on the Rhode Island Informa show.
Tonya Harris, the executive Director of RICADV, stated, “Everyone’s involvement in ending domestic violence is even more important now. The COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation have magnified the immense needs of survivors. Between March and July 2020, we provided advocacy services to over 4,500 individuals, and more than 11,000 overnight shelter stays. That would have not been possible without the support of our community.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence rates have skyrocketed across the country. In response to the increase in need, in late September RICADV and its sister agencies, the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center and Women’s Resource Center, expanded services to Providence, Woonsocket, and northern Rhode Island. This expansion included a new drop-in center in Providence run by the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, in which community members can receive services such as counseling, support groups and supervised visitation.
Toni Marie Gomes, executive director of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, 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."
For more information on the “No More” campaign go to NOMORERI.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence call the 24-hour hotline at 800-494-8100.
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