R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.3-2: Filing of petition.

Proceedings under this chapter shall be filed, heard, and determined in the superior court of the county in which the respondent resides. Any proceedings under this chapter shall not preclude any other available civil or criminal remedies. A party filing a petition under this chapter may do so without payment of any filing fee. There shall be no minimum residence requirements for the filing of a petition under this chapter. All matters filed under this chapter, as well as any documents submitted in conjunction with proceedings under this chapter, shall be maintained as confidential or non-public by the superior court.