Are you a victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault?
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can occur physically, sexually, verbally, psychologically, or even financially.
Abusive relationships can be best defined by the power imbalance. An abusive relationship will
consist of one person who has or seeks all the power in the relationship(the abuser) and the person
who has very little power in the relationship (the person being abused). Abuse is different in every
relationship and you do not need to be physically assaulted for it to be abuse. Domestic Violence
occurs in all types of relationships: couples who are married or not married, in heterosexual
relationships or same sex relationships, and across different races, ethnicities and socioeconomic
backgrounds. Also, Domestic Violence does not only occur in intimate relationships, but also
between family members. Your abuser may be an adult child or grandchild, a parent, an in-law or a
sibling.
Sexual Assault
Sexual violence and abuse can take many forms: a rape by a stranger or by someone you know,
including someone you are in a relationship with, ongoing abuse during childhood, or sexual
harassment at work or school are all forms of sexual violence. The National Centers for Disease
Control defines sexual violence as any sexual act committed against someone without that person’s
freely given consent.
If you are experiencing trauma related to sexual assault, you do not have to struggle alone. The Law
Enforcement Advocate (LEA) can provide support on the phone, assistance during the criminal
justice process, and make referrals for other services.
What is a Law Enforcement Advocate?
The LEA is a trained advocate on issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault. They can
provide immediate crisis intervention, information, referrals and work in collaboration with law
enforcement officers on all domestic violence and sexual assault cases.
The LEA can help by:
★ Explaining your rights as a victim, and keeping you updated on the status of your case
★ Providing assistance and support through the criminal justice process
★ Safety planning, providing information and referrals
*LEA services are free and available to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, national origin ethnicity, immigration
status, religion, sexual orientation, family status or physical and mental ability. *
Contact
North Providence LEA
Other Resources
Elizabeth Buffum Chase Center
821 West Shore Road
Warwick, RI 02889
401-738-9700
Day One (Sexual Assault)
401-421-4100
Sojourner House
386 Smith St.
Providence, RI 02908
24-Hour Victims of Crime Helpline
1-800-494-8100
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1800-656-HOPE
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1800-799-SAFE