Safe at Home: Domestic Violence in Rhode Island
Did you know that in the U.S., an average of 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner? For every one person who dies as a result of domestic violence, another 25 suffer from injuries. On average, more than three women and one man are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute during telephone surveys. There is no abuse more predictive of future violence than physical abuse. Controlling behaviors precede 70 percent of physical assaults and 95 percent of all violent crimes.
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Personalized Safety Plan
Prepared by the *NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Domestic violence (also domestic abuse, spousal abuse, and intimate partner violence) is a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation. Domestic violence can occur in heterosexual or same-sex relationships, as well as between former spouses. Domestic violence often involves physical abuse, but may also include emotional abuse, sexual abuse or economic deprivation. It can be a single episode or part of a larger cycle of abuse.
Domestic violence is defined by the World Health Organization as “any act of gender-based violence that results in or threatens to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm to victims” and (by extension) their children.
Domestic violence is common; many studies have found more than half of all women have experienced domestic abuse at least once during their lifetime.
Domestic Violence in Rhode Island
In 2008, Rhode Island’s rate was slightly higher than the national average with 1 in 6 women being abused during that year. From 2004 through 2007, there were approximately 578 incidents reported by law enforcement agencies each year; however, this number only reflects those cases that were reported to police officers and does not include cases reported to other agencies.
- 32.6% of Rhode Island women and 25.4% of Rhode Island men experience intimate partner physical
violence, intimate partner rape, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. - In 2015, 7,678 victims of domestic violence were served by domestic violence programs in Rhode Island
- It is estimated that children are present at over one-third of Rhode Island’s domestic violence arrests.
- 11% of Rhode Island high school students experienced either physical or sexual dating violence in the last
12 months - In 2015, there were seven domestic violence homicides in Rhode Island
- Firearms were used in at least 93 domestic violence deaths from 1980-2010 in Rhode Island
- Between 2006 and 2015, there were 54 domestic violence homicides in Rhode Island
- As of December 31, 2020, Rhode Island had submitted no domestic violence misdemeanor convictions or
protective order records to the NICS Index - Between 2006 and 2015, there were 10,142 active protection orders in the National Crime Information
Center for Rhode Island, 3,785 of which had a disqualifying Brady indicator
Safe at Home with Security
Domestic violence is a serious issue in Rhode Island and across the country. Many people are unaware that domestic violence is not just physical abuse, but can also include mental and emotional abuse. Victims of domestic violence have many options for help including restraining orders, shelters, and counseling. Home Security systems can also be an invaluable tool to help protect victims of domestic violence.
Home Security helps protect victims from domestic violence
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one out of every four women and one in seven men will be victims of physical assault at some point in their lifetime. Those numbers are especially high for those who have been married or lived with the person who abused them. According to NCADV, half of all women who are killed by their partner were previously abused by that partner or another person.
Home Security systems can help protect victims from further abuse by providing them a way to alert emergency responders when they need help. A surveillance system can also provide evidence that may be needed after an incident occurs so that police can make arrests and prosecute perpetrators accordingly.
Download a Personalized Safety Plan
Personalized Safety Plan from the National Coalition against Domestic Violence
It can be difficult to know when it’s okay to return home after experiencing domestic violence.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you know that there are many things that can affect your safety and security in the aftermath of an abusive relationship. You may have been injured or traumatized by the abuse, or you may be worried about what will happen if you go back to your own home.
If you’re not sure whether it’s safe for you to go back home yet, there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety.
Video Cameras for your Home after Experiencing Domestic Violence
One way to do this is by installing video cameras outside your house. These tools help monitor activity around your property while also keeping an eye on who enters and exits your home. The footage from these cameras can also be used as evidence against criminals if necessary.
Why Get A Security Camera For Domestic Violence?
The first reason is that it can help with evidence in court. If your abuser has been physically violent towards you, a video of them hurting you can be used in court as evidence against them. It can also help corroborate other testimony and evidence that may have been gathered during an investigation by law enforcement officials or private investigators hired by family members and friends who want to help support the victim. This can make it easier for the abuser to be convicted if they are brought up on charges of assault or battery against their partner or spouse.
Another reason why getting a security camera is beneficial is because it gives victims peace of mind when they’re away from home by letting them know what’s going on inside and around their residence when they aren’t home.
Are you aware of the available resources for victims of domestic violence in your community? Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are people and organizations who can provide support and information. Your life is worth fighting for.
If you are in crisis, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Visit www.ncadv.org for valuable fact sheets and resources.
