The Women’s Resource Center served more than 1,100 survivors of domestic violence last year, answered 1,211 hotline calls and provided 1,729 nights of emergency shelter, the organization said as it marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The center is joining domestic violence agencies statewide under this year’s theme, “One of Us.”
“The people experiencing abuse are not strangers,” said Executive Director Jessica Walsh. “They are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, family members, and community members. The ‘One of Us’ campaign reminds us that domestic violence is a community issue, and all of us have a role to play in supporting survivors and preventing abuse.”
The center notes that abuse is often understood only as physical violence, when it can also take the form of emotional abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, stalking, intimidation and isolation.
Its free and confidential services across Newport County, Bristol County and East Providence include a 24-hour hotline, pet-friendly emergency shelter and transitional housing, court and law enforcement advocacy, counseling, children’s services, bilingual advocacy and prevention programming. The agency delivered more than 5,000 support sessions last year.
“When communities understand domestic violence and respond with compassion and support, survivors are better positioned to find safety, heal from trauma, and build the future they want for themselves and their families,” Walsh said.
The Women’s Resource Center’s 24-hour confidential hotline is 401-846-5263. More information is at wrcnbc.org.
