Domestic Violence & Police Response in Rhode Island
What to expect when Rhode Island police respond to DV incidents.
Understanding Police Response, Arrests, and No-Contact Orders
Police Response at the Scene
When police arrive at a domestic violence scene, their initial focus is on ensuring the immediate situation is calm. They may separate involved parties to gather information and understand what occurred. Officers typically document visible injuries and collect statements from all persons present.
Arrest Possibilities
Police may arrest a person if they have probable cause to believe a crime related to domestic violence occurred. This can happen even if the survivor does not wish to press charges, depending on local laws and the severity of the incident. Arrest decisions are made to address safety and legal concerns.
No-Contact Orders
Following an incident, a law enforcement officer or court may issue a no-contact order. This order prevents the alleged abuser from contacting or approaching the survivor for a specified period. It serves as a temporary legal measure to reduce risk while other actions are considered.
Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.