Restraining Orders

Violating a restraining order can be a crime. There are two main ways to get help if the abuser violates your order:

1. Criminal Contempt Through the Police or Sheriff
If the abuser violates your restraining order, you can call 911 immediately. Tell the officers that you have a restraining order and the abuser is violating it. The abuser may be arrested and prosecuted because it is a crime to violate a restraining order. If the abuser is found guilty of violating a restraining order, they can be punished by a fine of as much as $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both. They may also be ordered to attend counseling.¹

2. Civil Contempt Through the Civil Court System
You may also file in civil court to enforce your order and ask the judge to decide that the abuser is in “contempt of court” for violating the order.² To file for civil contempt, go to the clerk’s office and ask for the forms.

¹ R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 8-8.1-3(o)-(q); 15-15-3(n); 12-29-5(a)
² R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 8-8.1-3(l); 15-15-3(m)(1)