Page 35 - 2020 A Year in Review

Domestic Violence/Law Enforcement Advocate

The Cranston Police Department was fortunate to have Ms. Rachel D’Ambrosio as our

Domestic Violence/ Law Enforcement Advocate. Ms. D’Ambrosio was attached to the

Special Victims Unit for approximately twenty-four months and was tasked with

providing enhanced services for victims of domestic violence and sexual

assault/abuse. The advocate position is funded entirely by federal grants, and she has

been attached to the police department by the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center.

The advocate refers victims of domestic violence, as well as family members when

required, for services such as counseling, legal assistance, and shelter placement. In

an effort to coordinate and streamline services, the advocate works with many outside

agencies such as the RI Attorney General’s Office, Day One, Cranston Community

Action, Tri-Town Community Action, DCYF, and Department of Elderly Affairs.

When requested, the advocate also provides written correspondence, telephone contact

and “in person” support to and on behalf of, any victim who is serviced by the

Cranston Police Department. The advocate also provides “in-person” support during

interviews with investigators, as well as accompaniment to court hearings. Once the

case has been assigned, all advocate services are voluntary after the initial telephone

contact is made with a victim.

In addition to support services, Ms. D’Ambrosio participated in trainings and

workshops throughout communities in Rhode Island, to enhance awareness of

domestic and sexual abuse related crimes.

Incidences of Domestic Violence were of great concern to the Cranston Police

Department due to the societal dynamic following restrictions implemented due to the

COVID pandemic. The following charts indicate a slight increase in 2020 in reported

incidents of domestic violence over the same period in 2019.

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2020