A bill discussed in an N.H. Senate committee on Tuesday would increase the penalty for anyone who secretly photographs an unclothed minor. Pamela Keilig, public policy specialist with the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, spoke in favor of the bill. “We know that violations of privacy are not just about peeping into a window – it’s recognizing that these crimes can have lasting impacts on the emotional and physical well-being of a victim, especially as children,” she said. “Privacy violations are not victimless crimes and offenders who commit these acts have often impact ..read more

Amanda Grady Sexton, public affairs director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said she too had never before seen a police news release withhold a defendant’s name to protect a victim. “There may be circumstances where this is appropriate,” she said, suggesting some circumstances may warrant refraining from sending a news release at all. “However,” she added, “there should be specific policies in place that drive this decision making.” Sexton said, "publicly identifying crime victims, even indirectly, can inflict further suffering, so it’s 'critical' for p ..read more

Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, applauded the ruling. “Victims in New Hampshire are often subjected to unnecessary delays in the courtroom,” she said. “Defense attorneys should not be permitted to use continuances as a legal strategy to benefit their clients and delay justice. Victims are afforded rights under New Hampshire law and should not be subjected to these types of unnecessary and unfair delays. Judges must take victims’ rights into consideration and stop this unethical practice. Six years is far too ..read more

Lyn Schollett, of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said there can be a lot of barriers to children coming forward to report assault, including their young age, which is why it often takes years for them to do so. "It's critical that children know that if they come forward and describe a harmful touch, that they will be heard and that they will be believed," Schollett said. "And that's the most important thing that parents and guardians and caretakers can do for the children in our lives." February 15, 2024 WMUR Read Full Article ..read more

The bill heard in the House Judiciary Committee would establish regulations for when convicted criminals want the change their names. "Under current law, you can murder someone and change your name. Why is this acceptable?" said Pamela Keilig, of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. "This means that a name change is essentially equivalent to a clean slate for someone who does not want to be discoverable as a criminal." More testimony came from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by her counselor, who, she later learned, had an extensive criminal history ..read more

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault has been working with the guard since earlier this year on training programs to address and prevent sexual violence. The coalition's director, Lyn Schollett, said she commends guard leadership for looking at its own shortcomings. "When the military is willing to look at their own process and their response, it's more likely that victims will feel safe coming forward," Schollett said. "We would commend the Adj. General for requesting this review and we're really happy to see this report that has very strong and actionable ..read more

One big change that has attracted major concern is the removal of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence and stalking from a list of offenses that can subject an offender to be held without bail until he or she sees a judge. ​“The Coalition does not take a position on this bill. However, to specifically exclude the crime of misdemeanor domestic violence assault from this proposal ignores the reality that domestic violence is the most dangerous crime in New Hampshire,” said Alyssa Dandrea, community relations specialist with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexu ..read more

On Wednesday, Nicole Kipphut testified on behalf of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in front of a legislative committee led by State Sen. Rebecca Whitley, a Hopkinton Democrat. With a unique perspective both as a survivor and an advocate, Kipphut told Whitley that closure doesn’t come with sentencing or prison time. For some, it doesn’t come at all, but preparing for a parole hearing where most often offenders are granted early release is an extensive, draining process that can retraumatize victims, she said.   “Victims do not necessarily feel closure at ..read more

Emily Provencher, of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said there are some things parents should keep in mind. "Students across the school, whether it was their photos or not, are going to feel the impact of the situation," Provencher said. "It is really important to make them aware of the 24/7 helpline that is available in the state of New Hampshire. That is not just for the victims in this situation, but also for the people who care about them." September 23, 2023 WMUR Read Full Article ..read more

Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the N.H. Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence said Tuesday such crimes are more prevalent than many people realize. “Children are being exposed to pornography at much younger ages now and maybe don’t have the same framework for what is appropriate in a relationship and also they are taking riskier and riskier actions in terms of their behaviors,” she said.  Also, the proliferation of smart phones makes it is easier than ever to record people without their permission, she said. “People are selling these images,” Sexton said ..read more