SOAR's Accomplishments and Activities

Since its creation, SOAR has been very active in the anti-domestic violence movement.

In 1995, SOAR fought for the safety of battered women by ensuring the new telephone technology options did not endanger abused women.

In 1997, SOAR members lobbied for legislation that would extend restraining orders from one year to three years.

In 1999, after four years of work, SOAR was successful in lobbying for a law that would allow judges to set standards for abusive partners in child custody and visitation cases.

In October of 1999, three SOAR members were the focus of Domestic Violence Awareness Month Campaign. Their pictures and messages about domestic abuse were displayed throughout Rhode Island on buses, posters and television.

In June 2002, SOAR was able to lobby and win a law that provides specific guideline for judges when imposing child custody and visitation orders that involves domestic violence issues.

In August of 2002, we presented at the Formerly Battered Women’s Caucus in Kona, Hawaii. Our member, Barbara, presented at a full day session on our model of organizing survivors.

In September of 2003, we presented at the conference for Texas Family Council on Violence.

In 2004, SOAR implemented the first leadership development program for SOAR members called Project STRIVE (Survivors Training and Recruiting Individual Voices for Empowerment). This program was designed to develop SOAR member’s abilities and skills to become effective advocates in the domestic violence movement.

In 2005, SOAR members played an instrumental role in the RICADV effort to pass the “Homicide Prevention” legislation. This legislation gives judges the power to take guns out of the hands of those abusers that have permanent restraining orders against them. SOAR developed and implemented a grassroots legislative campaign to support RICADV to pass this legislation.

Serves on the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, ensuring that the voices of battered women are heard and fought for

Provide interviews for television, radio and print media to help the public understand how domestic violence impacts women and their families

Participate in public education efforts to promote the message that violence against women is not acceptable or tolerable