Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Leila Duarte Da Luz Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence COVENTRY, R.I., May 10, 2023 – Today, we honor the life and bear witness to the devastating loss of 34-year-old Leila Patricia Duarte Da Luz. We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Leila. Leila was two months pregnant when she was killed in a domestic violence homicide. Her body was found in Carbuncle Pond in Coventry, RI, in December 2022. Gary Gromkiewicz, the father of the baby Leila was carrying, and Michael Lambert, a second suspect, have been charged with her murder. Leila was a much beloved daughter, sister, and friend. She studied business law and had her entire life ahead of her, filled with possibility, dreams, and accomplishments. During a time that should have been full of hope and care, Leila’s life was taken from her. The leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States is domestic violence homicide.1 Pregnancy and the birth of a child can cause an abusive partner to escalate their violence, as they may feel they are losing power and control. A 2021 study of maternal deaths in the U.S. found that women are more than twice as likely to die from homicide during pregnancy than from other pregnancy-related health issues.2 It is critical for health care providers, including doctors, nurses, doulas, and community health workers, to have the training and policies in place to screen for and respond to domestic violence among the people they serve. The RI state police did not release Leila’s name for nine weeks. It was Leila’s family and close friend who reached out to the media to share her identity, her life, and their story to share their love for their friend and family member. Even now, we are seeing media coverage that is limiting their description of Leila to “a pregnant woman.” It is well documented that women of color do not receive the same amount or type of media coverage and attention when they go missing or other tragedies happen to them.3 Leila’s name deserves to be heard and acknowledged, honored, and treated with respect, as we would with any victim of violence in Rhode Island. Furthermore, research shows women of color are significantly more likely to experience domestic violence in their lifetime.4 We must uplift and center the experiences of those who are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence as we work to raise awareness, support victims, and end abuse. We all must act to prevent domestic violence before it happens and increase safety for survivors. To find information about the RICADV’s network of member agencies or connect with the resources in your area, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour confidential support and information at 1-800-494-8100 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org. The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, a member agency of the RICADV, serves the town of Coventry. Advocates are available to provide support and resources to victims and survivors of domestic violence. For more information, visit www.ebccenter.org. 1 Lawn, R. B. & Koenen, K.C. Homicide is a leading cause of death for pregnant women in U.S. BMJ 2022; 379. https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj.o2499.full 2 Wallace, M., Gillispie-Bell, V., Cruz, K., Davis, K., & Vilda, D. Homicide during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the United States, 2018-2019. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 138(5):762-769. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34619735 3 Franklin, J. (December 2022). Racial bias affects media coverage of missing people. NPR. Retrieved at https://www.npr.org/2022/12/05/1137193397/missing-persons-of-color-news-coverage-disparities. 4 An Overview of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States – 2010 Findings. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved at https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ipv-nisvs-factsheet-v5-a.pdf. About the EBCC: The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center provides wraparound services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including crisis hotline, safety planning, advocacy at the Kent County Courthouse, law enforcement advocacy, emergency safe shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing opportunities, specialized counseling, support groups for victims as well as for family members, case management to connect clients to housing and other basic needs, and financial literacy classes.  All services, including counseling, are offered at no cost to clients.  EBCC’s focused service area is Central Rhode Island (Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Cranston, North Providence, Johnston, Scituate and Foster as well as all other towns whose cases are heard at Kent) but clients statewide can access services at EBCC if that is safer for them.  Please call 401-738-1700, email info@ebchouse.org or visit www.ebccenter.org for services and more information. About the RICADV: The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island and to provide statewide leadership on the issue. The organization strives to create justice for victims and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island. The RICADV’s network of ten member agencies provides a wide array of services for victims, including emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100. And for more information about the RICADV, call us at 401-467-9940 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org.