Submitted by Women’s Resource Center
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and with nearly 1 in 2 Rhode Islanders experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime, we all know someone impacted. The Women’s Resource Center has been working hard this month to ensure the community knows what domestic violence is and what services are available locally.
“Last year, the statistic was 1 in 3. We are trending in the wrong direction,” said Jessica Walsh, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center. “Family, friends, neighbors, and colleague are most often the first to know when abuse is happening, so it’s really important that the community knows the signs and how to help.”
Staff from the Women’s Resource Center were at Festival Latino, the Broadway Street Fair, and the Potter League’s Heart and Sole Walk, sharing information and resources. Volunteers have been dropping brochures and posters off at local libraries and businesses. Individual supporters and organizations have been hosting screenings of Women’s Resource Center: Tipping Point, a short documentary featuring eight survivors and clients of the center.
Walsh feels this all-hands-on-deck approach is critical to ending domestic violence. “We know that domestic violence can be prevented,” said Walsh, “and one way we can do that is by creating strong, connected communities that send a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.”
Which is why the Center was excited to see the City of Newport demonstrated its’ commitment to preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors by issuing an official proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, lighting the dome of city hall purple, and raising the No More flag, a symbol that represents the community saying “no more” to domestic violence.
As the month winds down, there is still time to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities. Next Tuesday, October 29th, the Women’s Resource Center will be hosting Books & Brews at Ragged Island Brewing Co., a grown-up book fair in collaboration with Charter Books.
Walsh said, “We wanted to close the month with a fun, laid back way for our community to come out and support the Women’s Resource Center.” Guests are invited to browse for new reads in the Brewery Barn while enjoying live music, Anna’s Vesuviano wood-fired pizza, Sweet B’s donuts, and Mooseman’s Kettle Corn. 20% of book sale proceeds will be generously donated to the Women’s Resource Center. Tickets are available here.
