Domestic violence advocates speaking out after tragedy

The brutal murder of 40-year-old Sherbert Maddox has sparked outrage amongst advocates.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Flowers, candles, and touching tributes line the steps of the Parkis Avenue home where 40-year-old Sherbert Maddox was murdered. Her boyfriend, 53-year-old Nathan Cooper, is accused of taking her life before wrapping her body in saran wrap and storing it in the couples’ fridge.

“My sister was a loving person. She didn’t bother nobody. She had a daughter,” sayd Nakia Pigues, the victim’s sister. Neighbors also described Maddox as loving, caring, and special – and remain heartbroken at the loss of her life to domestic violence.

“Sherbert Maddox should be here today. She was a beloved friend, mother, sister, daughter and community member. We know our condolences will not bring Sherbert back, and we are holding her loved ones in our hearts during this devastating time,” said Lucy Rios, who serves as the interim executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

According to the Coalition, 8,499 victims received services for domestic violence in 2021. 252 of those victims were children who directly witnessed abuse – yet despite the staggering figures, experts say this doesn’t mean there is necessarily an uptick in assaults.

“I’m not sure that I would say that there’s an increase in the amount,” says Vanessa Volz, Executive Director of Sojourner House in Providence. “There’s probably been an increase in the amount that’s been reported.”

Volz says this is a good thing – it means more victims are coming forward and asking for help as opposed to staying silent and enduring pain. “A lot of victims feel trapped, and feel like they have nowhere to go,” Volz explains. Yet with federal grants now more accessible for permanent housing for victims and a raised awareness to the prevalence of domestic violence across the state, Volz says victims are starting to feel more comfortable asking for the help they need. “The more resources, the more options that we have available for victims to leave those abusive situations, the safer they’re going to be.”