§ 9-1-2.1 - Civil liability for stalking. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 9-1-2.1

   § 9-1-2.1  Civil liability for stalking.– (a) Any person who suffers harm pursuant to chapter 59 of title 11 may recoverhis or her damages in a civil action against the offender.

   (b) As used in this section:

   (1) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composedof a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose.Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of"course of conduct."

   (2) "Harasses" means following a knowing and willful courseof conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, orbothers the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course ofconduct must be of a kind that would cause a reasonable person to suffersubstantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.