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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Custody

Laws current as of July 19, 2024

Can a parent who physically or sexually abused the child get visitation?

If a parent physically or sexually abused a child, the judge can deny visits. However, the judge can review the case every year. The judge will check if the parent has done anything to change and improve (rehabilitate) him/herself. Then, the judge will decide if no visitation is still in the best interest of the child.1 

The judge can also order the parent who was abusive to go to counseling. If the parent doesn’t, that alone can be a reason to deny visitation.2

1 RI Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(d)(3)
2 RI Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(d)(5)

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