Reporting Stalking to Rhode Island Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Rhode Island.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable Rhode Island guide
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Rhode Island resources. Rhode Island has very limited county government, so policing and courts are organized by city, town, and state agency instead.
Start here: Rhode Island restraining orders explicitly cover stalking and cyberstalking, and filing one costs nothing.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Rhode Island State Police (find your local barracks)
Via risp.ri.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
RI Office of the Attorney General — Elder Abuse Unit
Via riag.ri.gov
For cases also involving an older adult victim.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your area.
Rhode Island — Statewide Agencies
RI Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP)
401-462-7655
50 Service Avenue, 2nd Floor, Warwick, RI 02886 · covers medical, counseling, relocation, and lost-wage expenses.
treasury.ri.gov/cvcp ↗RI Public Safety Grant Administration Office
401-764-5797
Victim assistance information and referrals statewide.
RI Dept. of State — Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
Via sos.ri.gov
Helps survivors of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking protect their address.
sos.ri.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city or town] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city or town police department.
Rhode Island State Police
Via risp.ri.gov
Covers areas without their own local police department.
Your District or Family Court
Find yours via courts.ri.gov
File a restraining order for stalking or cyberstalking, or a Sexual Assault Protection Order if applicable.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Restraining Orders in Rhode Island
Restraining order: available for stalking or cyberstalking, filed at District or Family Court depending on your relationship to the stalker.
Sexual Assault Protection Order: operates the same way, specifically for stalking, harassment, or sexual assault.
No-Contact Order: if the stalker is criminally charged, the court automatically issues one for the length of the case.
Rhode Island Courts
Official forms; there is no charge to file for a restraining order.
courts.ri.gov ↗If it's violated
Call police immediately and keep all evidence — texts, calls, and messages.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the CVCP.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the District or Family Court and ask for a restraining order application for stalking or cyberstalking.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the application; there is no charge.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary order quickly, often without the other party present, lasting 21 days until the full hearing.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
RI DCYF Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-742-4453
1-800-RI-CHILD · 24/7, statewide — you may call anonymously.
RI Office of Healthy Aging — Elder Rights & Safety
401-462-0555
24/7 · for abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of someone age 60 or older.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Rhode Island State Police (find your local barracks) | Via risp.ri.gov | Emergency |
| RI Office of the Attorney General — Elder Abuse Unit | Via riag.ri.gov | Emergency |
| RI Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP) | 401-462-7655 | Statewide |
| RI Public Safety Grant Administration Office | 401-764-5797 | Statewide |
| RI Dept. of State — Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) | Via sos.ri.gov | Statewide |
| RI DCYF Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-742-4453 | Specialized |
| RI Office of Healthy Aging — Elder Rights & Safety | 401-462-0555 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Rhode Island
How do I report stalking in Rhode Island?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Rhode Island?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Rhode Island?
Restraining order: available for stalking or cyberstalking, filed at District or Family Court depending on your relationship to the stalker. Sexual Assault Protection Order: operates the same way, specifically for stalking, harassment, or sexual assault. No-Contact Order: if the stalker is criminally charged, the court automatically issues one for the length of the case.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Rhode Island?
Filing fees vary by court in Rhode Island, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Rhode Island?
Yes — Rhode Island has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact RI Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP) at 401-462-7655.
What counts as stalking under Rhode Island law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Rhode Island, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Rhode Island if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Rhode Island?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Rhode Island?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Rhode Island reporting guide?
You can download the free Rhode Island reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Rhode-Island-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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