Section 12-29.1-2 - Legislative purpose(a) The purpose of this chapter is to recognize the importance of violence against the elderly as a serious crime against society and to assure elderly victims of violence the maximum protection from violence which the law and those who enforce the law can provide.(b) It is the intent of the legislature that the official response to cases of crimes of violence against the elderly shall stress the enforcement of the laws to protect the victim and shall communicate the attitude that violent behavior is not excused or tolerated.R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-29.1-2