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The system, [Haley} Dempsey has concluded, is broken.
That realization is unfortunately common for survivors of child sexual abuse who choose to pursue legal action, according to Amanda Grady Sexton, the director of public affairs at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “We owe it to victims and to survivors and to the public to ensure that we create systems that are victim-centered and trauma-informed,” Grady Sexton said. “There are ways that law enforcement and prosecutors can absolutely create a system that victims are going to be more comfortable engaging in.” Concord Monitor November 30, 2024 New Hampshire Teacher, Massachusetts Men Face Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor Charges11/18/2024
Amanda Grady Sexton, the director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said the org was grateful to all of the agencies who assisted with the effort to charge and arrest the men who attempted to traffic a child in Manchester.
“Initiatives like Project Safe Childhood help bring together agencies to stop the rapidly expanding epidemic of child exploitation,” she said. “ While law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are working hard to investigate and prosecute child predators, it’s important for all of us to know that we, too, have a role in ending the sexual exploitation of children in our communities. Our crisis centers not only assist victims of human trafficking and child exploitation but also work with local schools, parents, social service agencies, and any member of the public who is interested in learning how to help prevent and end child abuse.” The organization has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week helpline at 1-866-644-3574, which will connect anyone to a local crisis center for free and confidential support and education. Patch November 18, 2024 Manchester Teacher, 2 others Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Authorities Say11/18/2024
Meg Chant, the program director at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence says the signs pointing to a child in danger won't always look the same. "With youth, you may be seeing that someone whose online behavior has changed significantly in a very short period of time. You may see a young person who has items that they wouldn't be able to afford".
People should understand that child sex trafficking could happen in any community. "The kidnappings and the crossing borders: that's one of the biggest misconceptions that there has to be border crossings for something to constitute trafficking and there doesn't. We're really talking about raising awareness of the fact that this is happening in New Hampshire". WMUR November 16, 2024 Emergency shelter staying put in Manchester, N.H., thanks to federal pandemic stimulus funds10/10/2024
An emergency shelter in Manchester, N.H., for women and children fleeing domestic violence is on track to stay put, thanks to a $600,000 infusion of federal funds via the state, city officials announced Tuesday.
Amanda Grady Sexton, public affairs director for the coalition, said the Executive Council and legislature are also among those who deserve credit for this positive development. “We’re especially grateful to Mayor Ruais for his advocacy efforts on this project and for understanding the importance of maintaining life-saving services for victims of abuse in the Manchester community,” she said. Boston Globe October 9, 2024 Manchester officials announced Tuesday the city has secured $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to purchase Emily’s Place, allowing the domestic violence shelter to remain open.
Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said when it became clear the shelter could be lost, state and local officials worked to secure funding to ensure domestic violence victims wouldn’t be displaced. “We’re especially grateful to Mayor Ruais for his advocacy efforts on this project and for understanding the importance of maintaining life-saving services for victims of abuse in the Manchester community,” Sexton said. Union Leader October 8, 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month — an opportunity for survivors, advocates and other community members to mourn lives lost to domestic violence and celebrate progress to end this problem — began this week.
“Domestic violence is preventable, and it’s vital that victims know that help is available and that they don’t need to be in crisis to reach out,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, the coalition’s director of public affairs. Keene Sentinel October 5, 2024 Families of Homicide Victims Seek Changes to How New Hampshire Handles Competency Evaluations9/25/2024
Advocates said there aren't enough staff members to handle the number of evaluations, saying that a restoration program has to be created.
The Coalition's Program Director Meg Chant urged the committee, "We need to look at these cases holistically and create better, safer options for offenders with severe mental health needs." WMUR September 24, 2024 Domestic violence advocates said the case is the latest in a disturbing trend. They said that with the exception of police shootings, every homicide in New Hampshire this year has been a case of suspected domestic violence.
Advocates urged anyone who needs help to call the state domestic violence hotline at 1-866-644-3574. "The person who answers that call will connect you with a confidential advocate in your area," said Alyssa Dandrea, of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. "That person can help you with safety planning, with court accompaniment, with applying for a restraining order, with housing and whatever other supports you might need at that time." WMUR August 30, 2024 “The recent news cycle has left us heartbroken, and we are grieving for the communities impacted by this senseless tragedy," said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. "We are always shocked when these homicides happen in rapid succession, and 2024 has been an especially difficult year in New Hampshire."
"Confidential advocates are available at New Hampshire’s 12 crisis centers and are trained to provide support 24/7," she said. "If you or someone you know needs help, please call our free statewide helpline to speak with an advocate in your community." The number to call is 1-866-644-3574. "You do not need to be in crisis to call," Sexton said. Seacoast Online August 29, 2024 Advocates from the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and New Hampshire Legal Assistance played key roles in collaborating with landlord groups to discuss different scenarios and negotiate a detailed final bill which, they believe, has a very clear focus on ensuring the safety of survivors. The new protections are now embedded in New Hampshire’s tenants’ rights statute, which advocates hope will lead to clear and consistent enforcement across the court system.
As summarized in NLIHC’s Advocates’ Guide, complex relationships exist between housing insecurity, domestic and gender-based violence, and power. “There are many reasons a survivor may need to break their lease to maintain their safety,” said Rachel Duffy, the housing and economic justice manager for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “Everyday crisis center advocates and legal representatives across the state work with survivors who need support in fleeing violence or creating security within their homes. Advocates and attorneys know and understand that when housing survivors, there are exceptional considerations to be made including safety and confidentiality.” National Low Income Housing Coalition June 10, 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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