The term domestic violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction; or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction.

In an emergency, victims of domestic violence should call 911 or contact state or local law enforcement officials who can respond to these crimes. Individuals in need of non-emergency assistance can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.

In Rhode Island, domestic violence is defined under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-29) and encompasses a range of misdemeanor or felony crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, someone with whom the victim shares a child, or a cohabitant in a spousal or intimate partner role. It also includes individuals similarly situated to a spouse under Rhode Island's laws, as well as any other person against whom the victim is protected under the state's domestic or family violence laws. Victims of domestic violence in Rhode Island should call 911 in emergencies to receive immediate assistance from law enforcement. For non-emergency support, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit their website. Additionally, Rhode Island offers various resources and services for victims of domestic violence, including restraining orders, support services, and legal assistance.