RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence Issues Statement on EG Police Officer's Arraignment

RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence Issues Statement on EG Police Officer's Arraignment

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence has issued a statement regarding the arrest and arraignment of East Greenwich police officer Mark Edmonds.

Edmonds was arrested earlier this week in Pawtucket.

He is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident that took place on September 1, 2018, assault and battery by strangulation in an incident that took place on April 3, 2019, and obstructing or damaging a telephone.

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Edmonds is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.

Executive Director Tonya Harris issued the following statement:

We are deeply concerned about the charges in the domestic violence case involving Officer Mark Edmonds. According to court records, the victim reported that she had been repeatedly abused by Edmonds during their relationship. The reported incidents occurred over a period of almost a year, including several incidents of strangulation and incidents where a firearm was present. Both are indications of an increased risk of domestic violence homicide, also known as lethality risk factors.

Studies show that the probability of a domestic violence homicide is heightened when certain risk factors are present. These factors include a repeated pattern of committing violence, possession of a gun, strangulation, and more. It is also well documented that victims face higher risks when trying to leave an abusive relationship. Victims whose abusers are police officers are particularly vulnerable because the officer has a gun, is well trained in surveillance, knows the legal system, and likely knows about the resources available for victims, including the confidential locations of domestic violence shelters. We urge law enforcement and the criminal justice system to ensure strong protections that prioritize the safety of victims.

We are relieved that the Pawtucket Police Department acted promptly in this case. Police departments in Rhode Island must take domestic violence allegations seriously, hold officers accountable, and act with urgency to keep victims safe.

It takes extreme courage to report a domestic violence incident, particularly when the abuser is a police officer. Investigating domestic violence cases that involve alleged abusers in positions of legal authority sends the message that there is never a reason to excuse abuse, while also encouraging other victims that it is safe to come forward.