PROVIDENCE, RI – The lasting impact of domestic violence continues and reverberates long after the abuse has ended.

In an effort to help prevent domestic violence and develop effective, evidence-based prevention strategies, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen David Cicilline and Seth Magaziner today announced $500,000 in federal funding for the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA) program.

RICADV is one of nine State DELTA programs across the nation funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC).

These federal funds will help RICADV carry out its mission of supporting and enhancing the work of coalition member agencies and to lead on the issue of domestic violence prevention in Rhode Island. Along with its community partners, RICADV has charged forward in providing critical services and advocacy to thousands of Rhode Islanders impacted by domestic or intimate partner violence.

“RICADV and their partner agencies provide victims of domestic abuse with support, respect, and critical resources like medical care and a safe living environment.  This latest federal grant will strengthen RICADV’s capacity to prevent intimate partner violence, support victims, and end domestic abuse in our communities,” said Senator Reed, who was joined by the executive director of RICADV, Lucy Rios, at President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union Address. “It is critically important that we take an evidence-based approach to combatting domestic violence.  I will continue working to deliver vital investments in programs that improve people’s lives, strengthen our communities, and help prevent domestic violence.”

“I am proud to recognize the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its partners for establishing Rhode Island as a national leader in domestic violence prevention and securing funding to continue this critical work,” said Senator Whitehouse. “As a former prosecutor, I witnessed the devastating impacts of domestic violence. I am committed to prevention because we must get to the root of the problem in order to prevent abuse for future generations.”

“Domestic and intimate partner violence is a serious public health and public safety issue. This federal investment will provide the RICADV with resources to build on its work and undertake new strategies in Rhode Island to reduce incidences of violence and respond to community needs. I thank Lucy Rios and the RICADV for their leadership and tireless advocacy working to end and prevent domestic violence,” said Rep. Cicilline.

“As State Treasurer and administrator of the Rhode Island Crime Victims Compensation Fund for eight years, I worked closely with advocates and support organizations to help victims recover,” said Rep. Magaziner. “Now, I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in the Federal Delegation to announce this funding and recognize the prevention efforts of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Ending domestic abuse is possible, and I support the work underway in our state to build communities free from violence.” 

“I am thrilled the RICADV was successful in securing continued DELTA funding to build on our 20-year track record as a leader in primary prevention,” said RICADV executive director Lucy Rios. “We must prioritize victim safety, and at the same time, work together to prevent domestic violence before it has the chance to start. This CDC funding will support our efforts to create a safe, equitable Rhode Island where all people can thrive. We wish to thank the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation for advocating to make these resources available at the federal level so we can continue to do this vital work in our states.”

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a statewide organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the agencies serving victims and their families in Rhode Island and to provide leadership on the issue. The RICADV strives to create justice for survivors through policy and systems advocacy, raise awareness about domestic abuse, and prevent intimate partner violence before it starts using a public health approach. The RICADV network of member agencies provides comprehensive emergency and support services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The RICADV member agencies include:

The RI Victims of Crime Helpline provides free, confidential support and information for people impacted by crimes of violence, including domestic violence. The Helpline is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays: 1-800-494-8100.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).