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EspañolWho can get a sexual assault protective order?
You can file for a sexual assault restraining order if you are a victim of sexual assault, child molestation, or stalking. You do not need to have a family or household relationship with the abuser to qualify for the order.1 If the abuser is a former or current intimate partner, then you may qualify for a domestic violence restraining order instead.
1 RI Gen. Laws § 11-37.2-2(a)
What are the steps to get a sexual assault protective order?
The steps to get a sexual assault protective order are similar to the steps to get a domestic violence restraining order, but you may fill out different paperwork. If you have questions, you can call the clerk of court or talk to a lawyer. You can find the contact information for local courthouses on the RI Courthouse Locations page and for lawyers on the RI Finding a Lawyer page.
How much does it cost to get a sexual assault protective order?
There are no fees to file for a sexual assault protective order.1
1 RI Gen. Laws § 11-37.2-1(a)
What if the abuser violates the order?
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.1
If the abuser violates your order, you can report the violation to the police if that is a safe option for you and also report it to the court by filing a motion for contempt.
1 RI Gen. Laws § 11-37.2-2(e)
Is there anything I can do if my abusive partner continually files court proceedings against me?
Abusers often misuse court proceedings in order to continue the abuse. This is called abusive litigation. If you are the victim of abusive litigation by someone you have a sexual assault protective order against, you can ask the judge to issue an order restricting abusive litigation. See our Litigation Abuse section for more information on how to do this.
