Central Falls launches new Domestic Violence Task Force
CENTRAL FALLS, RI – As emergency calls related to domestic violence often spike in summer months and continue to be some of the most common calls the Central Falls Police Department receives, Mayor Maria Rivera signed an executive order today to launch the city’s new Domestic Violence Task Force.
“As someone who has personally had to call the police for help in this area many years ago, I recognize not only how important it is for families to get quick support, but that our system is bolstered and ready to respond in a meaningful and responsible way,” said Mayor Rivera. “Domestic violence is a deeply troubling and all-too-common issue in our community. I am convening this Task Force to identify how the city can do better to help victims and where we need to focus our efforts and resources.”
“It is incredibly difficult to prosecute domestic violence crimes in District Court without the cooperation of victims and the community,” said City Solicitor, Matt Jerzyk, Esq., a co-chair of the Task Force. “The purpose of this Task Force is to change that narrative. We are looking to enhance our processes for keeping families safe and informed.”
The Task Force will focus on accomplishing three main goals: reviewing and enhancing the city’s current process for keeping domestic violence victims safe and protected; conduct a multilingual community education, prevention campaign, and outreach on domestic violence; and track the city’s domestic violence incident data and misdemeanor cases, while brainstorming strategies for better outcomes.
“The Central Falls Police Department is committed to supporting children and families and reducing domestic violence,” said Police Chief, Col. Anthony Roberson, a co-chair of the Task Force. “We are looking forward to collaborating with stakeholders on this Task Force to effectively address domestic violence in our community.”
Executive Director of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Toni Marie Roderick, said, “BVAC is committed to serving the community and eliminating domestic and sexual violence. We will continue to do what it takes to support victims and families in need. We are thrilled to see this Task Force come together for the benefit of city residents.
“It has been a genuinely meaningful experience this summer working with various individuals, departments, and partner organizations to constitute this Task Force,” said Nana Amma Ankrah, Rule 9 legal intern at the Central Falls City Law Department and third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. “It is abundantly clear that Central Falls cares deeply about curbing its relatively high rate of domestic violence incidents. I have every confidence that this Task Force is truly invested and will do a great job.”
Members of the Domestic Violence Task Force include:
- Matthew Jerzyk, Esq. – City Solicitor (Co-Chair)
- Colonel Anthony Roberson – Central Falls Police Chief (Co-Chair)
- Nicholas Hemond, Esq. – City Criminal Prosecutor
- Zuleyma Gomez – Director of Constituent Services and Health
- Captain Craig Viens – Central Falls Police Department
- Sgt. Nicholas DiCarlo – Central Falls Police Department Domestic Violence Liaison
- Detective Stephanie Ruano – Central Falls Prosecution Detective
- Zabdi Mesa – Central Falls Law Enforcement Advocate
- Toni Marie Roderick – Executive Director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center
- Kimberly Demers – Director of Community Service, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center
- Cynthia Coburn – Director of Court Advocacy, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center
- Denise Debarros – Director of Family Supports, Central Falls School Department
- Bishop Stephen Harper – Head Pastor, New Life Church
- Lisy De La Roca – Domestic Violence Case Manager, Progreso Latino
For more information, view the signed Executive Order.
