PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Three Rhode Island communities have been selected to participate in the Department of Justice’s initiative to reduce domestic violence. Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket are included in the 78 communities chosen across the United States. The DOJ plans to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders from owning firearms by constructing a plan with the chosen communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said it is committing resources and training to law enforcement to identify firearms cases which may be investigated and charged as federal crimes, with a focus on domestic incidents. “Domestic violence takes a devastating toll on families and communities across Rhode Island,” U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha said. “When combined with illegal firearms, the consequences can be deadly.  This office is proud to partner with the cities of Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket to bring targeted federal prosecutions that keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and help keep our communities, our friends, and our neighbors safe.” Categories: News, Rhode Island