{"id":376137,"date":"2016-04-11T01:23:53","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html"},"modified":"2026-03-17T14:19:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T19:19:07","slug":"rhode-island-family-law-on-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island Family Law on Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rhode Island Family Law on Domestic Violence<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Domestic violence<\/span> laws<\/span> in Rhode Island<\/span> cover the crimes of assault, stalking, and threats between family members<\/span>, household members<\/span>, or individuals in a dating relationship. Victims may request protective orders<\/span> to keep the abuser away. Domestic violence<\/span> offenses<\/span> may carry stricter penalties, such as mandatory intervention programs and non-suspended jail time.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Abuse can strike anywhere, including close to home. Domestic violence<\/span><\/a> involves specific abusive crimes occurring between people sharing close, personal relationships. The state of Rhode Island<\/span>‘s Domestic Abuse<\/span> Prevention Act offers protection to victims and punishment to abusers.<\/p>\n

The first step to stopping domestic violence<\/span> in a victim’s life is having a thorough understanding of what it is. In this article, we’ll explain Rhode Island<\/span>‘s definition of domestic violence<\/span>, the resources available for victims<\/a>, and how it can affect divorces and child custody<\/span>. Read on for a detailed look at domestic violence<\/span> under Rhode Island<\/span> family law<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Rhode Island<\/span> Family Law<\/span> on Domestic Violence<\/span> – Defining Domestic Violence<\/span><\/h2>\n

Domestic violence<\/span><\/a>, also sometimes referred to as domestic abuse<\/span>, encompasses abusive or violent crimes that happen between people involved in certain relationships. Both elements are required to receive a domestic violence<\/span> classification. This gives victims access to specialized programs and protections. It also invokes additional penalties for abusers. Let’s examine the requirements.<\/p>\n

Domestic Violence<\/span> and Rhode Island<\/span> – Offenses<\/h3>\n

There’s no single offense under Rhode Island<\/span> law<\/span> that’s considered domestic violence<\/span>. An abuser can use an array of abusive acts<\/a> to gather and maintain power and control<\/a> over their victim. They seek to keep their victim feeling hopeless and helpless through a vicious cycle of threats, intimidation, violence, and abuse.<\/p>\n

The following criminal acts are eligible for domestic violence<\/span> classification<\/a> in Rhode Island<\/span>:<\/p>\n