Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund

Overview

The Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in honor of Lindsay Ann Burke, a 23-year-old Rhode Island College graduate who was tragically murdered. The fund aims to prevent relationship violence primarily through education, focusing on teens, parents, educators, and the general public.

Mission

The organization's mission is rooted in Lindsay's background as an education major from a family of educators. Her life's legacy of compassion, honesty, and trust led to a response that seeks to break the silence surrounding relationship violence through education. By doing so, it strives to empower individuals to recognize abusive relationships and help themselves and others.

History and Background

Lindsay Ann Burke was described as a sweet, caring, kind, and compassionate young woman who was always supportive of others. Her tragic death resulted from an abusive relationship, a situation that she faced with support from friends and family but ultimately could not escape. The lack of education on abusive relationships during her schooling years contributed to her situation.

Activities and Initiatives

The fund supports various educational initiatives, including workshops for middle and high school staff, health teachers, and parents. It also provides free educational materials to workshop participants and trained health teachers. Additionally, it awards grants to middle and high schools in Rhode Island for projects such as the Clothesline Project and poster contests, raising awareness about teen dating violence.

Statistics Highlighting the Cause

The Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund highlights critical statistics on teen dating violence:

• High-Risk Demographic: Girls and women aged 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
• Prevalence: 1 in 5 high school girls is physically or sexually hurt by a dating partner, and 1 in 3 teens experience some form of abuse in romantic relationships.
• Underreporting: Only about 33% of teens who have experienced or know about abusive dating relationships report it to anyone.

Impact and Legacy

In response to Lindsay's death, the organization advocates for comprehensive education on relationship violence. The Lindsay Ann Burke Act in Rhode Island reflects this effort, mandating teen dating violence education. The memorial fund's work continues to honor Lindsay's life by combating relationship violence through awareness and education.