---
title: "What is the difference between assault and battery in Rhode Island?"
description: "Assault in Rhode Island is the intentional act of threatening or attempting to cause physical harm to another person in a way that creates a reasonable fear of imminent injury, no physical contact is..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-assault-and-battery-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-18
modified: 2026-04-29
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is the difference between assault and battery in Rhode Island?

Assault in Rhode Island is the intentional act of threatening or attempting to cause physical harm to another person in a way that creates a reasonable fear of imminent injury, no physical contact is required. Battery is the actual intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person in a harmful or offensive manner. The two charges are frequently brought together when an altercation involves both threatening behavior and physical contact.