The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in conjunction with the family of Lizzi Marriott who was viciously raped and murdered in 2012, held a press conference on Tuesday in response to a recent New Hampshire Supreme Court order. The decision which involves the appeal of Lizzi’s killer, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2014, not only re-traumatized the Marriott family, it jeopardizes the privacy rights of all victims. 

On June 10, the NH Supreme Court issued an order that seriously undermines the state’s Rape Shield Law through an administrative rule change. Rape Shield Laws protect sexual assault victims by insuring that the victim’s sexual past is not admitted in court. The Supreme Court actions would have led to the release of personal, sensitive documents that were sealed by the trial court. Absent protections provided by the Rape Shield Law, irrelevant and damaging information about victims becomes public and victims are denied critical protections in the criminal justice process.

Ultimately through the prompt action of the Attorney General's Office which requested a stay and a full briefing on the ruling, a stay on the order was provided by the Supreme Court. This provides the family some immediate relief and time and a forum for a more thoughtful discussion. 

We grateful to everyone who spoke out against this potentially devastating action, especially Lizzi's family, who once again had to publicly relive their anguish and grief. "Learning about the NH Supreme Court decision on what would have been Lizzi’s 23rd birthday was like having my heart ripped apart again and was yet another devastating blow." said Lizzi's father. Melissa Marriott, Lizzi's mother said, "The decision by NH Supreme Court, to share the sealed and protected documents about Lizzi’s personal life has given me no choice but to speak out...I am still outraged that we have to go through this and you should be too."

Disturbed by the Court's decision, Governor Hassan and all members of New Hampshire's federal delegation made strong statements against the order. 

•  “I am pleased the Supreme Court has agreed to stay its ruling and allow for a full briefing on reconsideration. I hope they will ultimately reconsider and overturn their decision. If not, I am fully prepared to work in partnership with the legislature to ensure that we uphold the intent and spirit of New Hampshire’s Rape Shield Law.”  - Governor Maggie Hassan
•  “As New Hampshire’s Attorney General, I fought on behalf of survivors and victims, and I believe the New Hampshire Supreme Court must reconsider this terribly misguided order given its disgraceful treatment of victims and their families.”  - U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte
• “Undermining our Rape Shield Law’s basic privacy protections will cause irreparable damage to law enforcement efforts to encourage survivors to report their assault and cooperate with prosecution...this decision seems to be moving New Hampshire in exactly the wrong direction." U.S. Senator Shaheen
• “Sexual assault survivors and their families deserve to have their personal histories protected during all stages of the justice system – during the trial, conviction, appeal, or otherwise. It takes an immense amount of courage for survivors to come forward after an assault, and it is of the utmost importance that our judicial system takes all appropriate measures to ensure they are adequately protected once they seek justice. - U.S. Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster
• "New Hampshire passed its Shield Laws to prevent just such an attack on victims' privacy, which ensures that more women will seek justice. For Lizzi's sake and others' her personal history should remain her own. Anything else is shameful." - U.S. Congressman Frank Guinta

Despite today’s decision to stay the ruling there remain concerns that this information could still be unsealed. In addition this order has still done irreparable harm to the state’s Rape Shield Law. Coalition Executive Director Lyn Schollett stated, “The New Hampshire Supreme Court has said, in their own words has said that a “rape victim’s right to sexual privacy should not be overlooked by the courts.” State v. Howard, 121 N.H. 53, 59 (1981).   To provide a victim with privacy at the trial court level, then to strip it away at a higher court is nothing short of a bait and switch, punishing the victim. And now we are left with the fallout for future victims.  I have talked with prosecutors who have expressed grave concerns about what they will say to victims in the future.  How can we really tell a victim that her right to privacy is protected?  These are promises we can no longer make.”

Lizzi’s mother Melissa made a plea to the media for continued privacy. “While we are cautiously optimistic that the NH Supreme Court may choose to see the greater impact and decide to protect rights of victims we can no longer put our trust in the system to do that.  Please be respectful if these documents are released and don’t report the details...You have the opportunity to keep Lizzi’s private life private, please choose to take that opportunity.”

The Coalition will continue to stand with the family in this case and we appreciate all of your support in moving forward to continue to protect victims’ rights.
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For media requests or questions please contact Amanda Grady Sexton.
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Related Statements and Documents:
NH Supreme court order to reconsider June 10 order
Statement from NHCADSV 
Remarks from Attorney Representing Lizzi Marriott's Family
Statements from the Parents of Lizzi Marriott
State of New Hampshire Motion to Grant Stay and Full Briefing
State of NH Supreme Court Order in Case of State v. Seth Mazzaglia
New Hampshire's Rape Shield Law
New Hampshire Victim Bill of Rights
Read the full statements condemning the Court's actions from Governor Hassan, U.S. Senator Shaheen, U.S. Senator Ayotte, Congresswoman Kuster and Congressman Guinta. (Infographic)

Related media coverage:
Concord Monitor: N.H. Supreme Court ruling on rape shield law condemned by victim’s family, advocates
Associated Press: Family of slain woman fights to keep court records sealed
Union Leader: Family tries to block release of murder victim Lizzi Marriott's records
Fox News: NH court decision to unseal documents upsets parents of rape, murder victim
NHPR: Victim's Family, Prosecutors Want N.H Supreme Court to Reconsider Ruling 
WCVB TV 5 Family of slain woman fights to keep court records sealed
WMUR News 9: Family of slain woman fights to keep records sealed
Union Leader, 7-26-16, NH's Lizzi Marriott case could set precedent for victims' rights 
The Lizzi Marriott Intrepid Ocean Explorer Scholarship has been started in Lizzi’s honor. If you’d like to make a donation in her honor you can visit http://rememberlizzi.org/scholarship.html

The following statement was released by the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence today after the Court's Revocation of Owen Labrie's bail
 
Statement from NHCADSV Executive Director Lyn M. Schollett, J.D.:
“On behalf of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, we are pleased with the court’s decision to revoke Owen Labrie’s bail and enforce his yearlong incarceration in the House of Corrections. Owen Labrie’s knowing and purposeful disregard for the court’s order makes it clear that he continues to believe the law does not apply to him.
While the court’s decision today does not change what the victim and her family have had to endure, it does ensure that Mr. Labrie will be held accountable, which may bring a small measure of peace to victims of sexual assault.
I would like to remind all survivors, and those supporting survivors, that help is available any time of day throughout New Hampshire. Please call the statewide sexual assault hotline at 1-800-277-5570 or contact your local crisis center for support.”

​About the Coalition:
NHCADSV is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on gender, age, health status (including HIV-positive), physical, mental, or emotional ability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, socio-economic status, race, national origin, immigration status, or religious or political affiliation. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.

Allie Nault joins forces with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence on efforts to prevent teen dating violence and abuse   ​

Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Allie Nault, of Gilford is collaborating with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and their NH Says NO MORE: Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault project to help shine a light on the issue of teen dating violence in New Hampshire and the United States.
 
 “After learning about the number of teenagers who experience abuse, I wanted to get involved,” said Allie, who was crowned Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2016. “No one deserves to be abused by their boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s important that we share that message and let teens know that there is understanding, help and support available to them

“I learned that some of the behaviors that people may think are flattering at first, like constant texting or wanting to be with someone all the time, might actually be red flags that someone is trying to control a partner,” said Allie. “Teen dating violence is a huge problem, but most parents have never talked to their kids about it, and most teens who are being abused never reach out to their parents or another adult for support.”
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Allie was impressed by the work that the Coalition and its 13 member programs are doing to raise awareness and educate students. “They are out in schools, teaching kids not just what abuse looks like, but giving them skills so that they understand what makes a healthy relationship.  As I tour the country, I advocate for healthy living, education and community involvement among teens. Learning how to develop safe relationships is key to a healthy lifestyle.”
 
If you think you, your friend or your teenager is in an abusive relationship:
 
Advocates are standing by 24/7 to support you or provide information.  You don’t need to be in crisis to call and you can remain anonymous by choosing not to give your name. The most important messages to give survivors are:  “I believe you,” “You don’t deserve to be treated like this,” and “I will be there to listen and support you.”  The New Hampshire domestic violence hotline is 1-866-644-3574. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Teens can also text an advocate at 22522 or chat online at Love is Respect. 
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Statistics about teen dating violence and abuse

• Nearly one in ten high school students has been purposely hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Girls and young women between the ages of 16 & 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, almost triple the national average. 
• Half of youth who have been victims of both dating violence and rape attempt suicide, compared to 12.5% of non-abused girls and 5.4% of non-abused boys.
• ​Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.

GET HELP OR INFORMATION

​The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV) is a statewide network committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on gender, age, health status (including HIV-positive), physical, mental, or emotional ability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, socio-economic status, race, national origin, immigration status, or religious or political affiliation. Online at www.nhcadsv.org.
 
New Hampshire Says NO MORE is a project of NHCADSV which seeks to raise awareness and galvanize action to end domestic and sexual violence in New Hampshire. The NO MORE logo is the first national symbol to express support for ending domestic and sexual violence. Learn more and take action at www.nhsaysnomore.org or at the national NO MORE campaign www.nomore.org.
 
One of the nation’s leading achievement programs, the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization encourages positive achievement by helping to nurture and build the scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement of our nation’s youth. MAOTeen provides educational scholarships for deserving young people and has developed mentoring programs and community-based initiatives. The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization has a long-standing relationship with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Through this partnership, MAOTeen has raised nearly $100,000 this year to help improve the lives of children across the country. Additional information about the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization can be found at www.maoteen.org.


​Helpful Links and resources:
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Loveisrespect.org 
 
Statistic References:

1. Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011
2. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice and Statistics, Intimate Partner Violence in the United States, 1993-2004. Dec. 2006
3. D. M. Ackard, Minneapolis, MN, and D. Neumark-Sztainer, Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Date Violence and Date Rape Among Adolescents: Associations with Disordered Eating Behaviors and Psychological Health, Child Abuse & Neglect, 26 455-473, (2002).
4. Liz Claiborne Inc., conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, (February 2005).

Members of the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (a program of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence) joined forces with AmeriCorps programs across the state to help people experiencing homelessness as part of this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Over the past month New Hampshire AmeriCorps members collected donations of socks, gloves, hats, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 200 members gathered in Manchester to sort items into over 500 care packages for distribution to homeless service providers across the New Hampshire.  

“This service project gives our team an opportunity to join with other members of AmeriCorps and reflect on how their commitment to national service aligns with Dr. King’s legacy of compassion and service to others,” said April Aucoin, the Program Manager for the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program. 

The Corporation for National and Community Service promotes Martin Luther King Day as “A day on, not a day off,” and encourages all Americans to volunteer and work together to help solve national problems. On a single night in January there were over 1,400 people experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire, nearly half of those people were families with children.
 

About the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP):  AVAP is a program of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. AVAP addresses critical service needs in our communities and justice systems by ensuring services and education are available to victims of domestic and sexual violence and stalking throughout New Hampshire. AVAP promotes community service and a lifetime commitment to volunteerism. Learn more at www.nhcadsv.org/avap.cfm. 

About AmeriCorps: Since 1994, more than 800,000 Americans have given more than 1 billion hours of service through AmeriCorps. Every year, more than 75,000 AmeriCorps members meet pressing community needs across the country – strengthening education, assisting veterans and military families, providing disaster services, fostering economic opportunity, expanding health services and preserving the environment. Serving at more 15,000 locations, AmeriCorps members recruited and managed more than four million volunteers last year, boosting the impact of the nonprofit and faith-based organizations they serve.  www.americorps.gov.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads President Barack Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov
 

The Coalition was honored to have Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Kelly Ayotte join us in the office to celebrate the conclusion of our Purple Purse Challenge with a check presentation from Allstate Insurance agent John Parolin. This event was a culmination of a lot of hard work and the support of hundreds of donors. Thank you for helping us raise awareness and raise critical funds to help us in our quest to support survivors.
The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge® is a public awareness and fundraising campaign aimed at creating long-term safety and security for survivors by raising money to provide and expand financial empowerment services.  As part of the challenge, more than 160 nonprofits from across the country, including the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, banded together and helped raise nearly $3.1 million for domestic violence survivors through online donations and grants.
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence raised $40,573 during the Challenge. As one of the top 20 nonprofit fundraisers from across the country, the organization earned a “prize” grant for their efforts and were presented with a check for an additional $3,000 by Nashua Allstate Agent John Parolin representing the Allstate Foundation.

“In the majority of domestic violence cases, abusers deny victims access to money and financial resources,” said Parolin who helped the organization raise donations during the Purple Purse Challenge. “Thanks to the work of The Allstate Foundation and organizations like the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, local victims and their families are able to achieve long-term safety and security through financial empowerment. It makes me proud to not only represent Allstate, but also serve this community that came together through the Challenge to support this important issue locally.”

Senator Shaheen and Senator Ayotte have been stalwart supporters of the Coalition and both of them spoke eloquently about the need for this work.

“Financial independence is essential for so many survivors of domestic violence – a lack of financial resources is the top reason survivors stay or return to an abusive relationship,” said Shaheen. “This grant is a recognition of the outstanding work the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is doing every day to help free those in abusive relationships.”

"The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is doing incredibly important work to support and empower survivors of domestic and sexual violence to help them rebuild their lives,” said Ayotte. “I am proud to have worked closely with the coalition as Attorney General and to have continued that relationship as U.S. Senator.  I appreciate Allstate’s commitment to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.”

About The Allstate Foundation: 
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people’s lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.