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EspañolWhat if the abuser violates the order?
If the abuser violates your order, you can report it to the police if that is a safe option for you. You can also report it to the court by filing a motion for contempt.
Violating a sexual assault protective order could be a misdemeanor. The abuser could be punished with:
- a fine of up to $1,000;
- imprisonment in jail for up to a year; or
- both a fine and imprisonment.1
1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-37.2-2(e)
Can my order be changed or extended?
Changing your order
You or the abuser can ask the judge to change (modify) the order at any time after it’s been made by filing a motion.1
Extending your order
The judge can extend your order for more time if you still need it to protect you. You can file a motion asking to extend the order before it expires.1
1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-37.2-2(d)
Is there anything I can do if the abuser keeps filing court cases against me?
Abusers often misuse court proceedings to continue the abuse. This is called “abusive litigation.” An example is if the abuser keeps filing baseless court cases against you just to harass you or be near you. If someone you have a sexual assault protective order against is doing this to you, you can ask the judge to issue an order to stop it.1 See our Litigation Abuse section for more information on how to do this.
1 See R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-2(a),(b)
