In addition, the Task Force has coordinated the creation of Batterers Intervention Guidelines that will serve to dramatically change the manner in which the community rehabilitates batterers. Since the creation of the Domestic Violence Task Force, a major objective has been to develop legislation that addresses the core problems and issues surrounding domestic violence. Over the last few years, Rhode island has become a nationwide leader in strengthening its laws to protect victims of domestic violence while holding those accountable who abuse and assault these victims. The success of the domestic violence legislative agenda is due in large part to a bi-partisan and collaborate effort of victim advocates and the Rhode Island General Assembly. The goal is to continue our efforts to improve the awareness, prevention, reform, and accountability on the issue of domestic violence.
Persons convicted of a second domestic violence offense face mandatory ten days jail time.
Third time offenders now are considered felons under the law and can receive a jail sentence of at least one to ten years. Protection and Intervention on behalf of victims. Restraining orders are treated much more seriously. The length of time a restraining order is in effect has been increased from one to three years. Stalking is now considered a crime of domestic violence and makes a second conviction of stalking a felony offense.