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Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, released this statement following the sentencing: “David Meehan’s courage in coming forward has changed the trajectory of this case and exposed a history of horrific abuse that never should have happened. Today is the result of a survivor who refused to be silenced and a legal system finally beginning to reckon with its past. We stand with David and with every survivor whose childhood was stolen at YDC. Justice must continue, and we will not stop advocating until every survivor is heard, believed, and supported.”
Seacoast Online December 12, 2025 Amanda Grady Sexton, public affairs director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, reminded parents that they are not alone. Confidential services are available around-the-clock for those who may need help or guidance, she said.
“The allegations in this case are heartbreaking and remind us that even in places dedicated to healing, children can be vulnerable,” Grady Sexton said. “Ensuring strong safeguards, clear reporting pathways, and immediate support for families is vital.” Those impacted by domestic and sexual violence or stalking can access free and confidential support services by calling the 24/7 statewide helpline at 866-644-3574. Boston Globe December 9, 2025 “Accountability for buyers is an important part of reducing the demand that drives human trafficking,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, the director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. “When those who purchase sex face consequences, traffickers have fewer opportunities to exploit vulnerable people.”
“This arrest also serves as a reminder that best practice is to focus enforcement on buyers and traffickers,” Grady Sexton said. “The Coalition remains committed to promoting responses that recognize exploited individuals as victims and ensure they receive safety, dignity, and meaningful support.” Concord Monitor December 8, 2025 The New Hampshire Coalition of Domestic and Sexual Violence says many incidents like these end up unreported. For that reason, they encourage immediate action if anyone becomes aware of them, in order to better protect affected children.
"It's such a strong reminder of the importance of safeguards — and really strong safeguards — in all child-serving institutions, and the importance of accountability when boundaries are violated," said program director Meg Chant with the Coalition. She adds that families would do well to stay aware of what their children need, especially in a situation under duress, as the victim experienced. "Parents know their child in that situation, and so it's really (about) being able to be there and be that advocate. They know if their child is saying something's wrong," Chant said. The Coalition said crisis center advocates are available 24/7 statewide for support services to victims and survivors. WMUR December 9, 2025 Pamela Keilig, public policy specialist at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said that requiring massage businesses to be licensed is a key preventative strategy.
Not only does licensing help stop illegal operations from taking root in the state, but it also protects massage therapists who might be forced to work in such establishments, she said. “We really view this as a really important prevention strategy to ensure that traffickers don’t see our state as a safe haven to exploit people and put our communities at risk,” said Keilig. “One of the benefits of having these establishment licenses is ensuring that there are some standard practices being put in place and a structure to hopefully mitigate this Whack-a-Mole phenomenon that we are seeing.” Concord Monitor November 29, 2025 |
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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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