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“The number one reason survivors are unable or unwilling to leave an unsafe situation is because they feel trapped by financial situations,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “There are times when survivors need to break a lease on an emergency basis. When that becomes part of their credit history, they’re less likely to be selected” for new rentals in a tight housing market.
The law was modeled after protections created for survivors in public housing in the Violence Against Women Act, extending them into private housing. Concord Monitor May 14, 2024 Man Accused of Driving From Pennsylvania to Threaten Laconia Woman Who Broke Off Relationship5/7/2024
Coalition Program Director Meg Chant said, "You really don’t want to share video—or even those live photos that you can take—necessarily with someone if you haven’t met them yet because they can include geo-location data. If someone wants to find you, they will, and it’s not necessarily that person’s fault."
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence said that anyone who feels threatened by someone they met online can call the crisis hotline at 1-866-644-3574 to set up a safety plan. WMUR May 4, 2024 Under current law, those who are incarcerated, on parole or probation, registered as sex offenders or registered as offenders against children must convince a court that a name change is necessary, but there is no requirement to notify victims or their next of kin. A bill sent to the governor Thursday would require those convicted of certain violent felonies, including murder, and those convicted of crimes against children to also go before a judge. It also gives victims or family members a chance to weigh in.
Both Debra Duncan’s daughters, the Packers and Sitomer were at the Statehouse for Thursday’s vote, along with advocates from the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Gov. Chris Sununu hasn’t taken a position on the bill yet, but spokesman Benjamin Vihstadt said Wednesday he supports efforts to safeguard victim rights. Associated Press May 4, 2024 At the urging of those who have been victimized by violent crime, the New Hampshire Senate unanimously approved a bill Thursday to make it harder for people convicted of certain felonies to hide their criminal record by changing their name.
Five victims who shared their stories with lawmakers attended Thursday’s vote alongside representatives from the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, which touted House Bill 1003 as a common-sense step to improve accountability and public safety. The bill requires people with certain criminal convictions to demonstrate their name-change request is “necessary” and notify certain authorities, so victims have an opportunity to object. Boston Globe May 2, 2024 Survivor Wants Stricter Name-Change Rules for Violent Felons in N.H., After Ex-Counselor Indicted5/1/2024
Bonnie Sitomer and others are calling on New Hampshire lawmakers to pass House Bill 1003, which would require people who have been convicted of certain serious crimes to demonstrate their request for a name change is “necessary” before a court can approve it. The bill, which already passed the House, is scheduled for a vote in the Senate on Thursday.
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has described HB 1003 as an important step for accountability and safety. “People who have committed violent crimes shouldn’t be allowed to change their names simply because they want to reinvent themselves or escape their past,” said Pamela Keilig, a public policy specialist for the Coalition. “Our communities are at risk when violent histories are removed from public memory.” Boston Globe May 1, 2024 |
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The 12 member programs of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence provide services regardless of 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.
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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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