R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-61-2 (2026)

For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) “Abuse” means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts by a current or former family member, household member, intimate partner, or caretaker:

(i) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing another person bodily injury, physical harm, severe emotional distress, psychological trauma, rape, sexual assault, or involuntary sexual intercourse;

(ii) Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person including following the person or minor child without proper authority, under circumstances that place the person or minor child in reasonable fear of bodily injury or physical harm;

(iii) Subjecting another person to false imprisonment; or

(iv) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing damage to property so as to intimidate or attempt to control the behavior of another person.

(2) “Abuse-related medical condition” means a medical condition sustained by a subject of abuse that arises in whole or part out of an act or pattern of abuse.

(3) “Abuse status” means the fact or perception that a person is, has been, or may be a subject of abuse, irrespective of whether the person has sustained abuse-related medical conditions.

(4) “Commissioner” means the director of the department of business regulation.

(5) “Insured” means the person whose life is covered under an insurance policy.

(6) “Insurer” means a person or other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance in this state, including agents, brokers, adjusters, or third-party administrators.

(7) “Policy” or “certificate” means a contract of insurance or annuity issued, proposed for issuance, or intended for issuance by an insurer, including endorsements or riders.

(8) “Subject of abuse” means a person against whom an act of abuse has been directed; who has current or prior injuries, illnesses, or disorders that resulted from abuse; or who seeks, may have sought, or had reason to seek medical or psychological treatment for abuse or protection, court-ordered protection, or shelter from abuse.