Restraining orders foreshadow domestic violence deaths in Rhode Island

Restraining-order applications, as well as no-contact orders based on criminal complaints, have foreshadowed the violent deaths of at least 11 Rhode Islanders since 2000 — including the stabbing deaths of two abusive men slain by fearful women in self-defense.

During this period, such orders, and the allegations of abuse that accompany them, preceded at least 20 percent of 55 domestic violence-related homicides involving men and women who had either lived together or engaged in romantic relationships.