“[We are] looking for ways to provide more shelter, looking for ways to provide more hotline and access and resources and information and outreach, certainly talking about it so people know they are not alone and encouraging people to reach out for help if they need it.“

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Today Giovanna Rodriguez, a survivor of and advocate against domestic violence asked UpriseRI to submit a question to Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo during her daily COVID-19 press conference: “Domestic violence is up 30 percent in last night’s news cast,” asked Rodriguez. “How important it is to get resources out to victims and let them know they are not alone?”

Here’s the Governor’s response:

“So thank you, Giovanna. It’s vitally important. It’s life saving. I found out about this a few days ago when I was checking in with Colonel [James] Manni of the [Rhode Island] State Police. It’s true, I think across the state, that the number of calls to nine one one on account of domestic violence has gone up quite a bit in the past few weeks. [It’s] not entirely surprising. Many, many people are out of work. We’re all stuck in our homes and it’s frustrating.”

Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-494-8100

“Having said that,” continued Governor Raimondo, “it’s not acceptable and we are putting together a comprehensive plan to address it. [We are] looking for ways to provide more shelter, looking for ways to provide more hotline and access and resources and information and outreach, certainly talking about it so people know they are not alone and encouraging people to reach out for help if they need it. And also looking for additional ways that we can work with public safety to address it. It’s a problem. It’s a priority and we’re on it.

“I would welcome you [Giovanna Rodriguez], as an advocate and as an expert, to reach out to my office because we need your help. We want your ideas and this is an everybody kind of a thing. We all have to respond.”

We thank @steveahlquist and @queengio4ever for raising the question of planning for domestic violence victims and survivors during @GovRaimondo's press conference today. #WeAreHere to #supportsurvivors.

— RICADV (@ricadv) April 9, 2020

Sad to hear Domestic Violence has went up 30% in the state. Need help or know anyone that does? Use the 24 Hour Helpline by @ricadv 1-800-494-8100. And thank you @steveahlquist for raising the issue at today's press conference! https://t.co/B183LryOyD

— Travis J. Escobar ⚓ (@TravisEscobar) April 9, 2020

We are glad to hear @GovRaimondo is committed to developing a plan for DV survivors in Rhode Island. Thank you to @steveahlquist for raising this important question during the daily #COVID19 briefing today. #supportsurvivors

— SOAR (@soarinri) April 9, 2020