Under a new law, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may terminate their lease without penalty if they fear for their safety.
Last-reviewed: Aug. 26, 2026
Latest News
- RI passed a new law (S2291/H7199 )allowing survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking to end their lease without early termination fees.
- Tenants will need to provide written verification of their abuse. The verification can come from a law enforcement official, health care provider, social worker, attorney, therapist or advocate.
- Tenants will have 30 days to leave once notice has been provided.
- RI increased the amount of Crime Victim Compensation that may be used for relocation expenses from $5,000 to $8,000, without increasing the overall compensation available. The fund was also expanded to allow victims of stalking to recover costs related to relocation and home safety modifications.
Hotlines to Talk or Text
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger and/or you are having an emergency, call 911.
- The 24/7 statewide domestic violence helpline is 1-800-494-8100. Visit the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) website to use the chat option (but note that website visits can sometimes be tracked).
- To contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
- They also have important Internet Safety tips that are useful for anyone with personal safety concerns.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation, call or text 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- The Trevor Project provides information and support for LGBTQ+ youth and can also be reached by following the prompts at 988.
- 211 provides general information about support and resources available in Rhode Island.
- The Rhode Island Office of Health Aging has an Aging and Disability Resource Center at (401) 462-4444 which provides resources available to Rhode Islanders age 55+ and adults living with a disability
Interpersonal Violence Resources
- RICADV’s website lists individual community-based organizations that offer local resources and support.
- The Attorney General’s office has published a Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights.
- Victims of interpersonal violence may be eligible for the state Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) from the Secretary of State. The application is here.
- The Crime Victim Compensation Program, administered by the Treasurer’s office, can help with home security measures, relocation expenses, and more.
- RICADV has information for individuals seeking restraining orders.
- The Family Violence Option Advocacy Program assists DHS clients who are IPV survivors navigate state benefits programs and resources.
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) provides protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. HUD maintains a VAWA website with up to date information about VAWA rights in housing.
- There is a Rhode Island Data Dashboard on Domestic Violence from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence with Rhode Island statistics about domestic violence.
- Crossroads launched the Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program that will serve families fleeing domestic violence and who are served by one of Crossroads shelters. The new program includes a 7-unit transitional housing program with supportive services.
Elder Abuse
- The National Council on Aging has background information about elder abuse.
- The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) empowers older adults and adults living with disabilities to age strong, and has information about available resources and support. OHA is also the agency responsible for taking and investigating reports of elder abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, which can be made here. Detailed instructions on entering a report are here.
- The Point provides adults 55+ with resource supports.
- Rhode Island Legal Services offers free legal support for older adults experiencing abuse.
- Justice in Aging has an Advocates Guide on common nursing home problems and how to resolve them.
Personal Safety
- Under an expanded agreement between ICE and DHS, ICE has been detaining noncitizens with expired visas traveling domestically at US airports.
- Lawyers for Good Government’s Policy Resource Hub for Transgender Rights explains the various rights and restrictions states have enacted. View Rhode Island’s information here.
- People with certain healthcare needs can enroll in the RI Special Needs Emergency Registry (RISNER). This registry is used to share information with first responders who are alerted to residents who may need extra help during an emergency.
Unlocking Access® Resources for Care Teams
There are many ways care teams can support people with community and interpersonal safety-related needs. For more specific legal information and strategies, care team members who have access to Legal Key’s Unlocking Access® Hub should log in.
If you are a Legal Key partner who does not have their login information, or you’d like to learn more about how to gain access to the Unlocking Access® Hub, get in touch with us!
Spotlight on Equity
IPV survivors are protected against discrimination in a number of contexts including housing, employment, health insurance access, and benefit access. If a person has been discriminated against on the sole basis of their IPV status, they have the right to file a complaint. Care teams can share the following resources to help people navigate the different anti-discrimination supports available in RI.
- For housing-based discrimination, contact the RI Commission for Human Rights.
- For discrimination experienced at the Department of Human Services, contact the RI DHS Office of Civil Rights.
- The RI ACLU or the RI Attorney General’s Office of the Civil Rights Advocates offers additional support for people who have been discriminated on the basis on their membership to a protected class.
Key Resources
- Intimate Partner Violence: RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV)
- Elder Abuse: RI Office of Healthy Aging (OHA)
Advocacy Corner
Individual Advocacy
Care teams spend time supporting people experiencing interpersonal violence by supporting safety planning and connecting people to available resources.
Policy Advocacy
Advocating for stronger laws, higher levels of privacy, and funding for programs that protect survivors of interpersonal violence are all ways to advocate for policy to support interpersonal safety. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and their member agencies are the leading organizations working on policy change around interpersonal safety.