State provides another outlet for domestic violence victims

People in need of help in addressing domestic violence have a new resource they can access online provided by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The new, confidential RICADV chat line, offered in addition to the 24-hour Rhode Island Victims of Crime Helpline at 1-800-494-8100, can be accessed at www.ricadv.org

from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, when RICADV staff and volunteers will be available to provide support and also referrals to needed services.

The telephone support line can be accessed anytime for similar support and resources.

The chat line is being provided by RICADV through a partnership with DayOne in Providence and the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center serving Pawtucket and Central Falls, according to Krista D’Amico, communications coordinator for RICADV.

“The helpline services all of Rhode Island,” D’Amico said while noting that Blackstone Valley Advocacy staffs the telephone service from its offices.

Anyone calling in can obtain referrals to assistance groups in their communities as well as information on counseling services, emergency housing, legal assistance and support groups, D’Amico said.

The online service is just another way to provide services to those who need access to services, according to D’Amico.

“There are staff members and volunteers available to help talk them through their situation and make referrals to our partner organizations,” she said.

The Rhode Island Victims of Crime Helpline is there to help anyone who has experienced a “victimization of any kind,” according to RICADV, and offers assistance to those experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the victims of human trafficking, hate crimes and other violent crimes.

In 2016, the helpline/hotline, answered 13,976 calls for assistance, according to Kate Porter, RICADV communications manager.

For more information on the helpline and new chat service, contact RICADV at www.ricadv.org

or call the organization at 1-401-4679940, or through the helpline at 1-800-494-8100.