Providence Police and Day One to host domestic violence training through grant funding from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

Providence Police and Day One to host domestic violence training through grant funding from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

PROVIDENCE, RI- The Providence Police Department will hold a training at the Providence Public Safety Complex auditorium tonight, January 30, from 3pm-7pm for 40 officers and civilians in the Providence Police Department. Through a grant from the US Department of Justice, Providence Police Sergeant James Mellor and Legal Advocacy Services Coordinator at Day One, Sara DeCataldo, received certification as trainers at a three- day "training for trainers" by the RI Law Enforcement Curriculum Committee in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault and they will be presenting at today's training.

The law enforcement response to domestic violence and sexual assault is a critical aspect of ensuring victim safety and offender accountability.

"In 2012 the Providence Police Department trained 245 officers in domestic violence and we plan to train the entire department in 2013. Domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes and I am proud of the PPD's progress in our commitment to end the vicious cycle of domestic violence in our City," said Colonel Clements. "I would like to thank Officer Richard Ruggiero of the PPD Training Bureau, Sergeant James Mellor, Sergeant Philip Hartnett, commanding officer of the PPD Special Victims Unit, and the other members of the Providence Police and Day One who were instrumental in making this training happen."

Domestic violence is a great concern to law enforcement officials nationwide. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. At this training officers will learn about domestic violence laws in RI, how to work with victims, stalking laws, protective orders, sexual assaults, human trafficking, and investigative strategies when responding to sexual assault or human trafficking cases.