Improving Domestic Violence Responses in Rhode Island
RIDOC staff face barriers to providing services to incarcerated
people.
Resources are limited for individuals who have committed
and/or experienced DV and are incarcerated.
It is estimated that over 90 percent of Incarcerated women have experienced some form of DV; however,
programming and facility infrastructure is lacking for women. Women typically do not have access to educational or
supportive programming due to limited funding for curriculum and a lack of space to deliver the programming.
Women experiencing BH concerns may be placed in solitary confinement due to a lack of appropriate BH staffing
and housing resources. Such practices exacerbate trauma and further experiences of victimization.
Individuals with high levels of BH and other programming needs are prioritized in resource allocation, in line with
Risk, Need, and Responsivity principles. However, due to limited resources, this often leaves individuals with lower
levels of risk and need without access to BH, psychoeducational, and other programming resources.
Though BIP programming for individuals who are incarcerated is available at the men's facility, capacity is limited,
and an individual is likely ineligible for BIP classes if their sentence is less than the 26 weeks (about 6 months)
required by statute for the course.
Without a current victim advocate position in RIDOC, staff are
challenged to meet the needs of victims and survivors.
A historical lack of investment led
to a reduction in the number of
victim advocate positions within
RIDOC, and the one remaining
victim advocate recently left the
position. Efforts are underway to
fill this position, but the vacancy
was cited as a major issue by all
DOC staff interviewed.
?
RIDOC staff do not receive any specific
training on working with victims and
survivors; thus, it can be challenging for
staff to know what to disclose to victims.
and survivors and how to best support
them.
Intercept 4 Recap
Intercept 4 Recap
The Council of State Governments Justice Center, “Interventions in the Community, Incarceration, and Community Corrections"
(PowerPoint presentation, Third Presentation to the Domestic Violence Response Justice Reinvestment Working Group, March
21, 2023).
The Council of State Governments Justice Center | 7View entire presentation