Domestic assault in Rhode Island is not a standalone statutory crime. It is an existing criminal offense (simple assault, felony assault, vandalism, disorderly conduct, kidnapping, and others) that triggers the enhanced procedures of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act when committed against a family or household member. The qualifying relationship includes current or former spouses, cohabitants, people who share a child, and people in or recently in a substantive dating or engagement relationship. The domestic designation triggers mandatory arrest policies, automatic no-contact orders, and specialized prosecution units.
