§ 15-15-1. Definitions. The following words as used in this chapter have the following meanings: (1) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.” (2) “Courts” […]
§ 15-15-2. Filing of complaint. (a) Proceedings under this chapter shall be filed, heard, and determined in the family court of the county in which the plaintiff resides and shall be independent of divorce proceedings. (b) Any proceedings under this chapter shall not preclude any other available civil or criminal remedies. (c) A party filing […]
§ 15-15-3. Protective orders — Penalty — Jurisdiction. (a) A person, or a parent, custodian, or legal guardian on behalf of a minor child or the director of the department of children, youth and families (“DCYF”) or its designee for a child in the custody of DCYF, pursuant to §§ 40-11-7 and 40-11-7.1, suffering from […]
§ 15-15-4. Temporary orders — Ex parte proceedings. (a)(1) Upon the filing of a complaint under this chapter, the court may enter any temporary orders that it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff from abuse, including relief as provided in chapter 5 of this title. (2) If it clearly appears from specific facts shown by […]
§ 15-15-4.1. Return of service/alternate service. (a) The complaint and any order issued under this chapter shall be personally served upon the defendant by a member of the division of sheriffs except as provided in subsections (c), (d), and (f) of this section. Service shall be made without payment of any fee when service is […]
§ 15-15-5. Duties of police officers. (a) Whenever any police officer has reason to believe that a family member or parent has been abused, that officer shall use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse, including: (1) Remaining on the scene as long as there is a danger to the physical safety of the person […]
§ 15-15-6. Form of complaint. (a) A form in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of filing a complaint under this chapter: STATE OF RHODE ISLAND FAMILY COURT COUNTY OF _________________________________________ _________________________________________ : Plaintiff : : VS. : F.C. NO. ________ : _________________________________________ : Defendant : COMPLAINT FOR PROTECTION FROM ABUSE Pursuant […]
§ 15-15-7. Notice of penalty. Each protective order issued under this chapter, including a temporary ex parte order, shall have the following statement printed in bold faced type or in capital letters: A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS ORDER MAY BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND MAY BE PUNISHED BY A FINE OF AS MUCH AS […]
§ 15-15-8. Repealed. History of Section.P.L. 1994, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 195, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2006, ch. 259, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 284, § 1, effective July 3, 2006. For present comparable provisions, see chapter 15.1 of this title.
