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An 11-month investigation into reports at Proctor Academy has found that several former employees allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with students over decades.
"We have adults who are both an adult so they're already in a role of influence over these people, and they're in a powerful role in that relationship," said Meg Chant, with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. WMUR April 16, 2025 Mass. Uber Driver Faces Charges for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Nashua Passenger in 20232/19/2025
"Experiences like this can be really scary, and so it's really important that they know that there are resources available to them," said Pamela Keilig with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Keilig said coming forward can be a difficult first step for survivors. "It can take months or years for someone to come forward and report abuse. I think that's why it's also just always incredibly important that community members, family members, loved ones are there to support someone when they finally do come forward," she said. WMUR February 18, 2025 Meg Chant, an advocate for human trafficking victims, said New Hampshire's law is specifically written to handle situations like this.
"One of the strengths of New Hampshire's trafficking law is that it does have specific language, defining facilitation or control of a person's access to a controlled, addictive substance as an element of human trafficking," Chant said. WMUR February 11, 2025 The case highlights how traffickers manipulate addiction to gain control and exploit their victims, Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said in a statement.
“New Hampshire’s strong anti-trafficking laws have positioned the state as a national leader, enabling prosecutors to identify and hold traffickers accountable, bringing them to justice and combating this horrific crime,” she said. Union Leader February 11, 2025 Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said comments like Weyler’s do not represent the majority of the legislature.
“It’s important that we remind victims of sexual violence that a bipartisan majority of lawmakers in New Hampshire have been supportive of the YDC settlement fund and funding for programs that prevent and end abuse. Polling has consistently shown that Granite Staters care deeply about victims’ rights and want their elected officials to focus on public safety this coming session, not cuts to victim services or compensation,” Grady Sexton said. In Depth February 2, 2025 Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the N.H. Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, expressed support for the bill.
“Our crisis centers often hear harrowing stories about perpetrators using various substances to spike drinks, leaving victims incapacitated and vulnerable to sexual assault,” she said in an email. “Initiatives like HB81 give people the option of keeping their beverage with them while using restrooms at restaurants, because everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in public spaces.” Keene Sentinel January 16, 2025 “The New Hampshire Legislature enacted specific safeguards in our state’s sexual assault laws to ensure that people in positions of power, such as doctors, mental health providers, and teachers, do not harm the people in their care,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
“New Hampshire law specially outlines the circumstances when someone cannot freely give their consent, and that includes when a patient is receiving medical treatment from their provider. Anyone should be able to seek health care without fear that a doctor will violate their most basic right to safety. The Legislature was clear that when a doctor abuses their power it is not only an egregious breach of trust — it’s also a crime,” she said. Valley News January 4, 2025 The threat of financial consequences for breaking a lease can sometimes trap people in dangerous situations, said Pamela Keilig, who works on public policy for the Coalition. That’s especially true when abusers are also controlling their victims’ financial lives in other ways.
“Many survivors face risks of becoming homeless, either with themselves or their children,” she said. Keilig also pointed to two other new laws she sees as important safeguards against domestic and sexual abuse. “Children who are married face an increased risk of abuse,” Keilig said. “So it's also a step in breaking cycles of violence and abuse in our state as well, whether it's physical, emotional or even economic.” NHPR January 2, 2025 Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said the public needs to know their reports are being taken seriously.
“It’s been nearly five years since Harmony was murdered by her father, and we continue to learn the disturbing details of how our systems failed her. Changes are happening in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but the fact remains that there were numerous failed opportunities to save this beautiful child,” she said in a statement. Union Leader December 29, 2024 “It’s been nearly five years since Harmony was murdered by her father, and we continue to learn the disturbing details of how our systems failed her. Changes are happening in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but the fact remains that there were numerous failed opportunities to save this beautiful child,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
“We all have a responsibility to report abuse if we suspect it. If we don’t believe that our reports are being taken seriously, we encourage individuals to call the Office of the Child Advocate to seek assistance,” she said. Union Leader December 22, 2024 |
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The 12 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.
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Funding for this website was provided by The Corporate Fund.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
PO Box 353, Concord, NH 03302-0353
(603) 224-8893
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
PO Box 353, Concord, NH 03302-0353
(603) 224-8893
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