Statement from City Council President Sabina Matos
I am devastated to learn that a 15-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in Donigian Park last night. Our city parks are meant to be refuges from city living, and a place of safety and comfort for kids and adults alike. Assault of any kind can have long-standing and devastating impacts on victims, and this is why every April I introduce a Resolution recognizing April as” Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.
I have been informed by the Providence Police Department that the victim and her family are being assisted by counselors from Day One and I am grateful to them, and for all they do to help victims of sexual assault. It is especially important for young people to seek help after an assault, as the silence only serves to do more harm than good. For reference, I would lead you to a compelling article from The New Yorker entitled “The Silence: The Legacy of Childhood Trauma” by Junot Díaz.
I along with my colleagues am keeping this brave young woman in our prayers, and I am thankful that her brother and friends acted so quickly and that the police were on the scene so quickly.
Sexual assault is pervasive in the United States and the statistics from Day One are startling:
- Every two minutes, somewhere in our country, some is sexually assaulted.
- 44% of rape victims are under the age of 18, and 80% are under the age of 30.
- 59% of sexual assaults go unreported.
- One in five women will experience an attempted or completed rape while in college.
Sexual assault in Rhode Island:
- One in eight women have been sexually assaulted during their lifetime.
- Close to 9% of high school students reported that they had experienced sexual violence by someone they were dating or going out with in the last 12 months.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault there are services that can help:
Day One: Sexual Assault and Trauma Resource Center
401-421-4100
Hasbro Child Protection Program
401-444-3996
RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence
1-800-494-8100
401-765-3232
Women’s Center of Rhode Island
401-867-2760
Woman & Infants Center for Women’s Medicine Follow-Up Clinic
401-453-7950
Statement from Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller
Statement from Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller
This first day of school I know that students, parents, teachers, and administrators are putting their heart and effort into a positive first day back for our city’s youth. I also know that everyone must be feeling anxious and uncertain- while our city is united in acknowledging the crisis facing our schools, we’ve had so little information on what’s coming next, it’s hard to feel anything but uncertain.
As a city councilor, here’s my back to school commitment:
I will support a state intervention that gives meaningful structural decision making and voice to students and parents. I believe that’s the critical missing piece. If we’re serious about long-term change, not surface change- if we want to truly change the culture that brought us here- student and parent participation in decision making is non-negotiable. This means finding a path that goes well beyond listening sessions and community forums.
I will support a state intervention that includes a transparent process, accountable to the public, not just the state and city structures that got us here. Let’s make these critical decisions about our schools in the light of day, where public input is taken seriously and responded to.
I will support a state intervention that includes a turn-around plan beyond improvements in reading and math scores. Let’s make sure that we’re also measuring improvements in social-emotional supports, cultural competency, and behavioral interventions that embrace difference. Let’s embrace a plan to change how it feels to be in a Providence Public School every day. Let’s create a culture that embraces learning, curiosity, and a deep respect for one another.
I will support a state intervention that looks hard at school buildings and the health of students and teachers learning and teaching in those buildings. One that looks at funding mechanisms for our schools and understands that we didn’t get to this crisis point overnight- this has been a long time coming and every state institution, taxpayer, elected or appointed official, has a piece of this and can give a hand in creating positive, lasting change.
No one has a silver bullet for widescale change for our youth. But I think the students and parents who are organizing together know what won’t work- because it’s failed multiple generations of students already. Let’s make sure that this process ends the cycle of failing our young people. Let’s stand up for a process that is transparent and accountable to youth and to parents. Parents and students have a right to know what is being planned for their futures. That’s my back to school commitment- I’ll keep standing up for that voice, and that right, as we enter into a state process.
Rachel M. Miller
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 13
Statement from Councilwoman Kat Kerwin
Statement from Councilwoman Kat Kerwin
On this first day of school in Providence, I remain concerned about both the physical conditions and the academic integrity of our schools. Starting today, students will be in class for hours each day, for many months. It is our duty as elected officials to ensure their experience does not continue to reflect what they have already endured for years in the Providence Schools. We cannot improve this system unless the people impacted by the decision making structure are with us every step of the way.
The truth is our parents, students and youth organizations should not have to beg for a seat at the decision making table. While community conversations have been offered to these stakeholders, dialogue is not enough. To truly build power and address the very real concerns of our community we must offer them a chance to be vocal leaders in the plan to change our school system.
This means more than symbolic conversation and passed mics. This means the Commissioner cannot hire a new Superintendent without allowing parents, students and community members to be part of the vetting process. This means the goals and metrics of any plan to improve the Providence schools must be made transparent to all stakeholders. This means an accountability structure that works for all of our students and ensures we are on a path to make every school stronger. This means providing enough additional resources to ensure the system can support every single student, not just a lucky few.
I stand with students, parents and community organizations in demanding a voice in the plan to reform our schools. Only with their real support will we have the chance to see real change in the district.
Kat Kerwin
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 12
Statement From Councilman David Salvatore Regarding Recent Acts of Violence Outside of City Nightclubs
Once again our City is waking up to the reports of several acts of violence that broke out across Providence in the early morning hours. As elected officials we have a sworn duty to speak up and provide a voice to those that elected us. We must do something to address these issues immediately.
I want the residents of Ward 14 to know that I have been in touch with the Commander of Providence Police, and have been briefed on the situation. I will continue to be in contact with our public safety officials and will update you when I can.
There have been too many acts of violence over the last several weeks, and besides creating serious quality of life issues for our residents – this is also harming our image as a City that is welcoming and a great place to live and visit.
We need to do more, and I’m calling on my colleagues to join me in taking action to protect residents, businesses, and patrons a like.
Statement from City Council President Sabina Matos Regarding this Morning’s Recent Acts of Violence
Waking up to the news of more violence in our City is disheartening. As the Council President, I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Council, the Board of Licenses, public safety officials, and the Administration to work collaboratively to find ways to mitigate these acts of violence.
One of the greatest things about Providence is our amazing restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Violent incidents like the ones that have been occurring over the past several weeks not only affect the quality of life for our residents, but also is harmful to our business community and their patrons.
As many of us gather to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, let us do so safely.
