R.I. Coalition Against Domestic Violence celebrates 40 years, honors advocates
WARWICK — The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence marked its 40th anniversary at a celebratory reception by honoring its past, celebrating the present and planning to shape the future.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1 - the first day of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month - nearly 300 guests attended the RICADV’s celebration at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Providence-Warwick in Warwick, where more than 30 advocates, staff members, volunteers and survivors were recognized for their years of service in the movement to end domestic violence in Rhode Island. Individuals who have worked for ten years or more at the RICADV, the RICADV’s survivor taskforce, Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships (SOAR), or the various member agencies throughout Rhode Island were given awards for their dedication.
Several elected officials and dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Attorney General Peter Neronha, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, who each congratulated the organization for its decades of advocacy. Sen. Donna Nesselbush, former executive director of the RICADV, served as the emcee for the evening, where she lauded the positive changes in Rhode Island over the four decades since the coalition was formed.
Janet Marcantonio, president of the RICADV’s board of directors, told attendees to take a look around them as she spoke on stage.
She said, “You’ll see the faces of individuals who’ve served victims and survivors directly through services and compassionate support. You’ll see people who have advocated for policy and legislation changes that further protect survivors and their families. You’re among individuals who support our work – whether that be research, trainings, prevention efforts at the state and national level, our public awareness campaigns, or general day-to-day operations that keep us going. You’re beside survivors who lift up their voices and share stories about their experience to educate others, to bring change to our community. This work would not be possible without all of these people.”
SOAR member Kathy McCormick recalled a time when domestic violence in Rhode Island was not considered a crime, and protections including restraining orders were not an option for victims.
She said, “Things have changed because of the unwavering commitment of advocates and the unconditional support of community organizations … after joining SOAR, I had a platform to be part of the positive change, to pay it forward. Together with all of you, we can celebrate amazing accomplishments: The passage of the homicide prevention bill, the Deborah DeBare Domestic Violence Prevention Fund, each one of our domestic violence public awareness campaigns and so much more.”
McCormick said, “As we look toward the future, it is imperative to continue to stay survivor-focused, continue to amplify our voices, and keep survivors at the core of the work we do. May these voices guide us and move us forward as we create a future without domestic violence for generations to come.”
The RICADV’s Executive Director, Tonya Harris, applauded the commitment of the “tireless, compassionate individuals” who received awards at the ceremony, and asked attendees to think about their roles in the movement to end abuse.
She said, “We must call on ourselves to think: What is the legacy we want to leave behind? For me, it is a world where my granddaughter, and all children of the world, never witness domestic violence – a world where violence against women is not tolerated. At the coalition, we envision and work toward a world free of violence for all, and we are closer to that world every day.”
Harris said, “Let us remember – the past is a reflection of who we were, the present is a reflection of who we are and the future represents all we can be and what we can accomplish together.”