|
“This report creates hope that systems will change to intervene in domestic violence situations sooner, both to protect victims and to hold offenders accountable,” Lyn Schollett, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said. “This report demonstrates a true commitment by a wide range of professionals to do things differently, and that’s groundbreaking.”
NH Bulletin October 6, 2026 "Most of these patients, the first contact they're having with the system after their sexual assault is presenting to the hospital to receive medical care," said Meghan Jenks, assistant director of the SANE program.
The SANE program has been around since the 1990s. It's run by the state's Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, offering 30 to 40 nurses per year in-depth training on how to give the often hours-long exams with compassion, understanding the traumatic situation. "The great thing about the exam is it's really up to the survivor to guide, based on what they're comfortable with and what the facts of their case are," Jenks said. WMUR October 6, 2026 "Domestic violence homicides are preventable," Lyn Schollett, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said.
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence helped develop the recommendations as part of the fatality review committee. Among its 11 recommendations, the report also calls for more training around protective-order violations and appropriate charges. "When a victim has a protective order, they have already gone to court to ask for help. And the court has already found that they deserve it. They shouldn't have to fight to have that order enforced," Schollett said. WMUR October 5, 2026 Better training for police officers, stronger accountability for offenders and a more responsive court system are a few of the areas New Hampshire should focus on to prevent domestic violence killings, according to a new report.
These recommendations come from the first report by the state’s domestic violence fatality review committee, which was created by law in 2025 after the murder of Marisol Fuentes-Huaracha, 25, in Berlin. “Judges make decisions every day that affect whether a victim is safe,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, one of the committee members. “They need reliable tools to help them recognize patterns of abuse and the risk of serious or lethal violence, whether they are hearing a criminal case or a request for a protective order.” Concord Monitor October 5, 2026 UNH officials say rise in reported rape cases could show more survivors are coming forward10/5/2026
UNH offers resources through its SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention and Advocacy on campus and partners with the state's Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to help victims navigate what follows after making a report.
"An advocate can help walk a survivor through what each of those are going to look like and what their options are," said Emily Provencher, prevention and child welfare specialist. Those services are available 24/7 and offer a confidential advocate who helps survivors explore their next steps, such as filing a criminal or Title IX complaint or doing nothing at all. Provencher said they're trained to offer the support a survivor needs. "They're going to center everything on what you want and what works best for you," she said. WMUR October 2, 2026 The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence says common signs of an illicit massage business could be anything from covered windows and signs, unusual hours, or entering the business through a separate entrance.
"The underlying goal is to remove the anonymity that these businesses benefit from and to bring those business operators into plain sight, so we can hold the correct people accountable," Program Director Meg Chant said. Chant says it's good to see the continued progress against potential illicit massage businesses from state and national investigators. WMUR September 9, 2026 “New Hampshire has a long tradition of leading the nation in passing strong, meaningful laws that support victims, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen public safety,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “The legislation signed into law this year will make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims and survivors and help make New Hampshire safer for everyone.”
InDepth August 17, 2026 “These laws will benefit countless victims in the future, and will advance their healing and their search for justice,” said Lyn Schollett, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
“It takes survivors, legislators, community members, volunteers, board members, and crisis center directors working together to make these changes a reality. No one does this work alone." Concord Monitor August 17, 2026 Lyn Schollett, executive director of the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said the impact of these laws will outlive all the advocates.
“We are not just helping victims today. These laws will benefit countless victims in the future and will advance their healing and search for justice,” Schollett said. Union Leader August 17, 2026 Executive Director at the NHCADSV Lyn Schollett told News9 that investigations like these rely on reporting abuse.
"It's absolutely critical that reports are made in cases like this," Schollett said. "Child sex abuse usually happens in secrecy and in silence. In fact, offenders count on instilling fear in children to prevent them from reporting," she said. "It's important for everyone to know that you don't need proof to make a report," Schollett added. "If you have a reasonable concern. Let trained professionals investigate a case like this, and crisis centers can help a family navigate that reporting process," she said. "Offenders who are seeking to harm children seek employment and volunteer opportunities like a babysitter, like a nursing assistant, where they have access to children," Schollett said. "So again, another reason for us to be concerned and sadly not surprised by this outcome," she added. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, you can call the coalition's free, confidential help line - available to families 24 hours a day. That number is (866)-644-3574. WMUR July 29, 2026 |
Archives
October 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
Our Supporting Partners
The member programs of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence provide services to all victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, stalking, and child abuse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This website is supported by the Victims of Crime Act, Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and the Violence Against Women Act, as well as other grants to state domestic and sexual violence coalitions. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the above-mentioned funders.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
PO Box 353, Concord, NH 03302-0353
(603) 224-8893
PO Box 353, Concord, NH 03302-0353
(603) 224-8893
NH web design by Harbour Light Strategic Marketing