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RI Assures Aid for Domestic Violence Victims

[CREDIT: RICADV] The RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline is open for victims of domestic violence, even during the COVID-19 outbreak. The hotline number is 1-800-494-8100.

[CREDIT: RICADV] The RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline is open for victims of domestic violence, even during the COVID-19 outbreak. The hotline number is 1-800-494-8100.
[CREDIT: RICADV] The RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline is open for victims of domestic violence, even during the COVID-19 outbreak. The hotline number is 1-800-494-8100.
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PROVIDENCE, RI —  On Friday, Gov. Gina Raimondo assured the increased number of  domestic violence victims  during the COVID-19 outbreak they can safely seek help through the domestic violence hotline, and RI Treasurer Seth Magaziner says emergency relocation funds are also available.

“It is a time of great anxiety and tension for everybody,” Raimondo said of the recent weeks of self-isolation Rhode Islanders have endured while attempting to limit spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, for which there is no immunity, cure, treatment, or vaccine.

“If you’re hearing this and you are a victim of domestic abuse in your home, you’re definitely not alone. There’s so many people like you in the state of Rhode Island suffering just like you are,” Raimondo said.

The Governor said that as the number of domestic violence calls increase, the number of calls to domestic violence hotlines and shelters has decreased.

“Which tells me that people are afraid to reach out, or think you might be in it alone, or you’re worried that maybe the services that are typically there, aren’t there for you now.”

Raimondo said those services are there for domestic violence victims and that they should continue to reach out to the following services:

Raimondo said she is working to increase resources for domestic violence victim as the stay-home and social distancing orders remain in place.

Domestic Violence Relocation Fund Offers Refuge

Rhode Island’s Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP) can provide emergency relocation funds to victims of domestic violence, RI Treasurer Seth Magazinier reminded Rhode Islanders this week.

The available funds include paying for emergency hotel stays, as well as down payment and security deposit payments, for a safe place to live, Magaziner’s office announced.

“Especially now, during the Coronavirus epidemic, too many victims of domestic violence feel they cannot leave their abusers for financial reasons,” said Treasurer Magaziner. “Our office has resources to help victims of domestic violence who need to relocate, and I am proud of our work to help victims of domestic violence get to safety.”

To be eligible to participate in Rhode Island’s CVCP, victims of violent crime must file a police report within 10 days of the alleged crime and file a claim with CVCP no later than three years after the crime.
For more information, please visit RICVCP.com, call  (401) 462-7655, or email crimevictims@treasury.ri.gov.
In 2018, Magaziner expanded the CVCP to provide victims of domestic violence up to $5,000 toward the cost of relocating when they need to find a safe place to live. Last year, 240 Rhode Islanders received relocation assistance from the CVCP, including paying for 42 emergency hotel stays for victims who needed to escape their abusers immediately.
“Financial insecurities are a major barrier for domestic violence victims, survivors and families looking to relocate or receive medical treatment,” said Tonya Harris, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “The Crime Victim Compensation Program is a lifeline for many survivors in Rhode Island.”
Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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