English
EspañolLaws current as of July 19, 2024
What is the legal definition of domestic abuse in Rhode Island?
This section defines domestic abuse for the purposes of getting a restraining order in family court or district court.
Domestic abuse is when you and the abuser are related, dating, or living together, and the abuser does any of the following:
- physically hurts you or your child;
- tries to hurt you or your child physically;
- makes you or your child afraid s/he will immediately and seriously hurt either of you physically;
- makes you or your child have sexual relations against your will using force, threats, or pressure (duress);
- stalks you or your child; or
- cyberstalks you or your child.1
To see more about the types of relationships that can qualify for a domestic abuse restraining order and which court to file in, go to Am I Eligible? Do I file in family court or district court?
1 R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 8-8.1-1(4), (5)(iv)-(vii), (6), (8); 15-15-1(1), (3), (4)(i)-(iv), (5), (9)
