What can be done if I am the victim of Domestic Abuse?

Whether this is the first such incident or it's a pattern of abuse you need to know that there is assistance available to you. The Newport Police Department works with victims of Domestic Violence to end violence. Arrests may be made and protection offered to victims. If you are the victim, you may be entitled to apply for an emergency order of protection from the court, this may be obtained at any hour of the day or night. If an incident has occurred while the Newport District Court is closed an officer has the ability to request an emergency order of temporary protection after hours. If the Newport District Court is open, a protection order may be requested directly at the court. Also, depending on the situation, an arrest may be made and additional orders of protection may be provided in the bail conditions of the arrested. Typically bail orders do not allow offenders to have any contact with the victim or victim's family. In cases of Domestic Violence, Officers will assist you in making a criminal complaint against your abuser, they will tell you what to expect should this require court proceedings. There are also other agencies that offer assistance by providing support groups, court advocacy, counseling, emergency shelter and other referrals. The responding officer will be able to explain these services to you in detail.