To contact the Women's Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties call (401) 846-5263.

I called the police to report an incident involving my abusive husband. I told the police I did not want him arrested - but they did anyway. Why?

There was a time when a phone call to the police department meant an officer would come to a house and if the victim desired - remove the violent/abusive individual from the home. Sometimes that meant dropping off the individual at another family member's home, or even walking the person around the block to "cool off." Today, the law reads differently. Police are now obligated to make an arrest when they find enough evidence to show a crime occurred. The police, on behalf of the town they serve, "bring" a charge against the perpetrator - not the victim of the crime. In fact, when a victim requests an individual not be arrested, under the law, their wishes are not taken into account. However, their wishes and concerns are important, when a case goes to court. The town brings the charge, and acts as the "prosecutor", and the victim is the "witness." Domestic violence advocates work with the victim/witness during the court hearings, to "advocate" for their client's (victim) wishes, whatever they may be.

If I come to the safe home I fear I won't have any privacy. What is it like?

You will have your own bedroom that you will share with your children, if you have children. The common areas (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, family room, dining areas, play areas etc.) will be shared by other families at the safe home. Our safe home staff work very hard to make the living space comfortable and are there to support you throughout your stay. The Center also serves as a safe place for you to get the help that you and your family need.

Why don't victim's just call the police?

Someone may be apprehensive about calling the police because they do not want "to get their partner in trouble", or they may be worried about their safety with the police. The victims may also not know that what is being done to them is against the law.

Why do women stay?

Economic dependence, wanting a parent for the children, religious beliefs or extended family pressure to keep family together, fear of being alone, loyalty to partner, pity (feels sorry for partner) victim feels they can help abuser get better, fears partner will commit suicide, denial, ( "It's really not that bad") duty, (marriage vows) guilt, (feels problems are all of the victims fault) victims have been socialized to think that it is up to them to make a relationship work, shame and humiliation, victims have been socialized to believe that they need a partner to be complete, internalization of abuser's words, ("I deserve this treatment") and survival (fears that partner will kill them if they leave).