This weekend, our Rhode Island community was shaken by an act of senseless violence at Brown University that took the lives of two people. This tragedy has left families grieving, friends and classmates reeling, and an entire campus — and state — struggling to make sense of profound loss.
To the families and loved ones of those who were killed, please know that you are not alone in your grief. Our hearts break alongside yours. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone to violence, but we hold you in deep compassion and sorrow during this unimaginable time.
Events like this are deeply traumatic — not only for those directly impacted, but for all who witness or feel their ripple effects. Acts of violence leave lasting emotional wounds, especially for young people, who are too often forced to carry fear, anxiety, and grief long after the headlines fade. We must acknowledge the weight of this trauma and respond with care, urgency, and humanity.
Beyond mourning, we must also commit ourselves to action. Preventing violence requires more than expressions of sympathy — it demands meaningful investment in safety, prevention, and mental health supports. We must take seriously the growing mental health crisis among children, teens, and young adults, and ensure that help is accessible before pain escalates into harm.
At Family Service of Rhode Island, we stand ready to support our community during this painful moment. If you, your child or family is struggling right now — with fear, grief, anxiety, or emotional distress — please reach out.
Our team is available to respond in homes and community settings to provide immediate support and help stabilize crisis situations. You can reach us at (401) 854-6678. In addition, our office at 55 Hope Street is open and available to provide counseling and support to anyone in the community who has been affected by this tragedy (open Sunday 12/14 until 5 pm and Monday – Friday).
In moments like this, our community must come together — to grieve, to care for one another, and to demand a future where safety, wellbeing, and mental health are treated as essential. Our young people deserve to learn, live, and grow without fear.
Our hearts are heavy — but together, we can work toward healing and a safer future for all.
Margaret Holland McDuff
CEO, Family Service of Rhode Island
Resources
- Coping after Mass Violence
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
- Talking to Children about Mass Violence
- Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Espanol)
- Creating Supportive Environments: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
- Psychological Impact of Mass Violence
- For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence
- College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting
- Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español)
- After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (En Español)
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español; ASL) & Infographic
- Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children
- I Don’t Know How to Address Worries About My Child’s Safety at School (webinar)
- After the Injury—website for families with injured children
- Health Care Toolbox—website for pediatric health providers working with injured children
- Supporting Children and Teens Who Experienced Loss During This Holiday Season
- Holidays, Celebration, and Traumatically Bereaved Children (webinar)
- Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español) (for responders)
