Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Murder of Linda Beckman By Judith Earle, Executive Director, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, and Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence COVENTRY, R.I., April 17, 2023 – We are deeply saddened by the domestic violence homicide of Linda Beckman, a 60-year-old Coventry community member who was shot and killed by her husband, 61-year-old James Beckman. Linda was beloved by her family, friends, and neighbors. She had a full life, passions, and aspirations, all cut short by gun violence. Tragically, this is the third domestic violence homicide to occur in Rhode Island this year. All three of the deaths involved a victim over the age of 60. The murder of Linda Beckman was a preventable gun death that impacts not only those who loved Linda, but her neighbors and community as well. Between 2016 and 2020, 42% of the domestic violence homicides that happened in Rhode Island involved a firearm. Having a gun in the house increases the likelihood that a domestic violence homicide will occur by five-fold. This is why limiting access to firearms, especially for abusers, saves lives. The RICADV is committed to advocating for commonsense gun safety laws that will reduce the plague of gun violence in our communities and across the nation, including domestic abuse gun violence. The shock that community members often feel in response to lethal domestic violence reminds us that misconceptions about abuse are still prevalent. Domestic violence can be perpetrated by an abusive partner regardless of their profession, socioeconomic status, age, or whether there is a documented history of violence. Victims of abuse may be suffering in silence behind closed doors. We must continue to raise awareness about the dynamics of abuse, services available for victims, and steps each of us can take to respond to and prevent domestic violence in our communities. Our communities in Rhode Island are not immune to violence. This speaks to the importance of developing stronger, better-connected communities, where we know and support each other. As individuals, as communities, and as a state, we all have a role and responsibility to play in building a society free from domestic violence, a society where our community members can thrive. The RICADV network of member agencies includes court advocates that can assist victims in applying for restraining orders, which can help to disarm violent abusers who have access to guns. To find a listing of member agencies or to be put in contact with one in your area, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour support and information at 800-494-8100 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org. 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.