The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) has learned of the intimate partner violence ( IPV ) homicide of Pamela Donahue that occurred on December 2, 2014 in Providence, Rhode Island. According to local media sources, Pamela's girlfriend, Sendra J. Beauregard has been charged with her homicide. According to the police report, a roommate who lived with Donahue and Beauregard told investigators that the couple had been arguing for "two weeks straight" prior to the homicide.
"Pamela's death is a tragic reminder of the reality of intimate partner violence in LGBTQ relationships," said Osman Ahmed, NCAVP's Research and Education Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "Intimate partner violence affects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer relationships with the same, if not higher, frequency as heterosexual relationships, yet the issue is seldom addressed in national discourses. We need more education, services, and prevention programs that seek to end IPV in LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities and provide services and support to LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors of IPV."
In NCAVP's report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2013, released on October 15, 2014, there were 21 IPV homicides in 2013, the highest recorded level, equal to the 21 homicides in 2012. This is up from 19 IPV homicides in 2011 and more than three times the 6 documented homicides in 2010. Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lesbians, gay men and bisexual people experience intimate partner violence at the same or higher rates as non-LGB people.
NCAVP has reached out to Sojourner House in Providence, Rhode Island to raise awareness of this homicide and to offer support.
"Sojourner House is very saddened by the homicide of Pamela Donahue, and send our condolences to the family," said Vanessa Volz, Executive Director of Sojourner House. "We are committed to supporting survivors in Rhode Island and working to end intimate partner violence in all communities. We currently run an LGBTQ+ outreach and training program to ensure that all victims and survivors of relationship abuse have the resources and information they need to make informed choices about their options. To speak with an advocate, individuals can call our local hotline numbers at ( 401 ) 861-6191 or ( 401 ) 765-3232. Rhode Island's Victims of Crime Hotline is also available 24 hours a day at 1-800-494-8100."
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org .
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer ( LGBTQ ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.