Contact: Amanda Grady Sexton
603-548-9377
 
October 10, 2019
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The Coalition Honors The General Federation of Women’s Clubs-NH and Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi at Annual Celebration
With Special Keynote Speaker Ana Goble

On October 10, the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence hosted its Annual Celebration at the Currier Museum to honor several outstanding community partners for their work to support survivors and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault.

Ana Goble, the Concord High School teen who bravely reported the inappropriate behavior of former teacher Primo “Howie” Leung and was subsequently suspended for “spreading gossip” was the Coalition’s keynote speaker. In her remarks Ana Goble stated, “I can tell you that speaking up is worth it. Standing up for others is worth it. Doing all you can to make sure no other child is victimized is worth it. Showing up and holding others accountable so no one else is hurt – that is worth it. Choosing to look the other way or to count on others to step in, that is not acceptable. That is not helpful. That is not compassionate. That sends the message to survivors and to perpetrators that we are okay with abuse and violence happening in our community.”
 
“Ana’s courage and belief in what is right inspired a movement that changed her community for the better,” stated Lyn Schollett, the Executive Director of the Coalition.
 
Coalition Honoree, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-NH has hundreds of dedicated members across New Hampshire whose advocacy efforts center on preventing child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Ann Engelhardt, State President of the GFWC-NH ​accepted the award on behalf of the Federation.

​GFWC-NH Chairman, Tina Smith, a survivor of child sexual abuse spoke on behalf of the Federation. “I am here because I want every survivor to know that support is available. I am here because victims’ rights must be taken more seriously by our education and criminal justice systems. I am here because The Coalition showed me what was possible.  They have given me, and so many others, hope that we can end domestic and sexual violence.”

The Coalition also honored Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi who has been a champion for victims domestic and sexual violence for over 20 years. In his acceptance speech County Attorney Velardi spoke of the need for equality for victims and survivors, and he highlighted a case of sexual assault of a transgender woman. “People told me that we would never win. We beat the odds of bringing a transgender case in front of a jury, but things like being transgender should not have to enter into the equation. She was a victim of a crime and she deserved her day in court. I was glad to be able to get that for her. That is the kind of thing that rewards me.”

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald helped to present County Attorney Velardi’s award. “During his twenty years with the office, he has been a dogged prosecutor, unafraid to take challenging cases.  One of Tom’s greatest contributions is his tremendous commitment to the statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program – a program that insures that victims get the best medical care they can and that prosecutors get the best evidence they can.”

Senate President Donna Soucy, a 2014 Honoree of the Coalition for her support and her work to pass Joshua’s Law was also in attendance. “I would like to congratulate this evening’s honorees—all of whom have displayed the courage to do what’s right and stand up for others in the face of great adversity. The Granite State is a better place because of your dedication and tireless advocacy.”

The event also included remarks from two other survivors who have become advocates for other victims here in New Hampshire and nationally.

Chessy Prout, a survivor of sexual assault, stated, “I can’t image my survivorship journey without the Coalition.  I would also like to extend a special thank you to Ana Goble for using your voice in the face of adversity and the face of resistance. It’s so important that survivors’ voices are heard.”

Tiffany Roberts, a survivor of domestic violence spoke to the issue of economic abuse. “The second my abuser knew I was serious about leaving he transferred all of the money from our joint personal checking account to an account only he had access to. This is not a portion of my story I share easily, but for weeks after I left my children and I slept on the floor of my business.  I pretended we were camping, while in reality we were homeless.  A lack of resources can force victims to make unenviable decisions, but it doesn't have to be this way, that is why I am so proud of the Coalition's Housing First and Economic Empowerment Programs. 

The Coalition is grateful for the support of our Honorees, tonight’s speakers, and our community of allies working to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV) is a statewide network committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. Online at www.nhcadsv.org

A special thank you to our Annual Celebration sponsors who make our work possible. ​

​By acknowledging decades of child sexual abuse and publishing the names of known predators within their institution, the Diocese of Manchester is taking a step towards accountability. For accountability to truly be achieved and for victims and survivors to truly find healing, we must also eliminate the statutes of limitations on these crimes that prohibit survivors from seeking justice once they have decided they are ready to report the abuse they’ve experienced. We recognize that this update form the Manchester Diocese could be difficult to process and a reminder of the traumas that survivors have endured. To all survivors of these crimes, we are with you.
 
“The reality is that the average age that a survivor of child sexual abuse discloses their experience is 52-years-old. Disclosures of abuse do not fit into artificial timelines, and we believe that every survivor should have the right to seek justice no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. It’s clear that laws in New Hampshire must be reformed in order to protect victims of sexual abuse and to hold their offenders accountable. Specifically, we must work to abolish the statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases, and we hope to have the support of the Diocese of Manchester in advocating for these necessary policy changes. We look forward to working with policymakers and stakeholders, including the Diocese of Manchester, to begin discussions around how to best bring forward these necessary reforms in New Hampshire. True accountability and healing cannot take place while statutes of limitations on sexual violence still exist.” – Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, NHCADSV.
 
We encourage the Diocese of Manchester to ensure that survivors are connected to their local domestic and sexual violence crisis center to receive confidential, trauma-informed support. We know that oftentimes survivors of clergy sexual abuse are not comfortable seeking support from the institution where they were victimized, and it is critical that they are connected to independent victim advocacy organizations.
 
Crisis center advocates are available 24/7 across NH to provide free and confidential support to anyone impacted by domestic or sexual violence – you do not need to be in crisis to call. To speak with a confidential advocate in your community, please call the statewide sexual assault hotline at 1-800-277-5570 or find the crisis center nearest you at https://www.nhcadsv.org/member-programs.html.
 
 
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.
 

The shocking news of 82 indictments against two former guards at the Youth Development Center, now known as the Sununu Youth Detention Center, is a reminder that we must be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that those in positions of authority to do not abuse their power and cause devastating harm to the children entrusted in their care. We stand with these young victims and their families, and would like to remind all Granite Staters they’re not alone. When violence and abuse happen in our communities, we are all impacted.
 
We know that most children ordered to youth detentions centers have experienced trauma in their childhood, and that the more trauma a child experiences, the more vulnerable they become to future victimization. Perpetrators often target victims who have already been groomed by abusers, or who they think are unlikely to be believed if they disclose the abuse. When even one brave survivor comes forward to report abuse, it can give other victims the courage to break their silence. It is critical that people know that assistance and support is always available.  
 
“The children entrusted in the care of the Sununu Youth Services Center are among the most vulnerable populations in the State of New Hampshire, and we are deeply disturbed by these indictments. We stand with the brave survivors and their families, and we look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that children who are in the care of the State of New Hampshire are safe and free from abuse, and that true systemic change is brought about to ensure the well-being and protection of children are prioritized. Intervening and holding offenders and institutions accountable is paramount in our fight to end child abuse and sexual violence.” – Amanda Grady Sexton Director of Public Affairs, NHCADSV.
 
Crisis center advocates are available across NH to provide free and confidential support to anyone impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Crisis center services are available to anyone who has experienced or witnessed abuse, or who is looking to find ways to support someone who has. Crisis centers can provide individual support; support groups; assistance in reporting abuse; help navigating the legal system; court and hospital accompaniment; housing assistance; and referrals for local services including mental health and substance abuse treatment. It is important to remember you do not need to be in crisis, nor do you need to be a victim, to access crisis center services. To speak with an advocate, please call the statewide domestic violence hotline at 1-866-644-3574 or the statewide sexual assault hotline at 1-800-277-5570 or find the crisis center nearest you at https://www.nhcadsv.org/member-programs.html.
 
Any person with information regarding criminal conduct at the YDC/Sununu Center is also urged to contact Investigator James Kinney at the Attorney General’s Office at (603) 271-1258 or email: james.kinney@doj.nh.gov.
 
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.
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​In light of the recent tragedy in Manchester, we extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and stand with the greater community as we all process this devastating loss to senseless violence.
 
Abusers demonstrate a pattern of violence that often escalates over time. Whether escalation is gradual or sudden, abusers will test boundaries and cross new lines in an attempt tighten their grip of power and control over the victim. Failure to take domestic violence seriously, and respond swiftly when red flags are raised, emboldens perpetrators to continue the abuse – or even take it to new heights of dangerousness. When someone violates a protective order, defies conditions of a sentence, or continues to perpetrate domestic violence even after engaging with the criminal justice system, they’ve demonstrated a clear disregard for consequences - which is a textbook indicator of lethality.
 
The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when they decide to leave the abuser. Therefore, when victims report a crime or seek a relief in a protective order, we must do all we can to keep them safe. Domestic violence offenders pose a lethal threat to the victim and to our community. They must be held accountable to ensure that tragedies, like this one, do not happen.

Far too often, headlines will feature batterers with an extensive history of domestic violence entering the system only to be released to reoffend time and time again, with little to no accountability. This leaves victims without protection and with little faith in the system that they trusted to uphold justice.
 
Acts such of strangulation and the violation of a protective order are leading indicators of a potential homicide. Domestic violence cannot be overlooked, minimized, or ignored – the consequences are far too great. We must ensure that those working in systems that victims interact with are fully aware of patterns of escalation in domestic violence and a have a complete understanding of the threat that abusers pose to victims and their children.
 
“Batterers who are capable of committing the ultimate act of domestic violence often demonstrate a documented pattern of abuse and early intervention in these cases is critical. We have the ability to end domestic violence homicides in NH, but we must first believe survivors, prioritize services, and hold offenders accountable.” – Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, NHCADSV.
 
To our fellow Granite Staters: you are not alone in responding to this heinous crime and heartbreaking loss. Confidential advocates are available across the state an NH’s 13 crisis centers. To speak with an advocate in your community, please call the statewide hotline at 1-866-644-3574.
 
 
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.

The NH AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) has recently received an AmeriCorps grant award from the Corporation for National and Community Service that will allow the program to continue to build upon its impactful and transformative work to support and empower victim/survivors. Currently in its 25th year, the AVAP program is responsible for serving approximately 5,000 NH victim/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and stalking each year.
 
AVAP members are placed at crisis centers, police departments, and prosecutors’ offices to offer support and information to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Additionally, AVAP members are specially trained to provide financial literacy and economic empowerment programming to victims of domestic violence who are experiencing financial abuse.
 
“The continuation of this longstanding program is vital to our state’s efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence. NH survivors and communities are safer because of AVAP and we’re honored to be among the programs receiving the AmeriCorps grant award from the Corporation for National and Community Service. We look forward to continuing to serve victims of domestic and sexual violence and are grateful to have the capacity to maintain our statewide programming.” – Natalie Ryckman, AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program Manager
 
This funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering and service. This year marks the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served their country through the national service program. Organizations are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps members to begin service this fall. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.
 
 
About the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP)
The AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) is a multi-agency collaboration designed to address critical service needs in our communities and justice systems by ensuring services and education are available to victims of domestic and sexual violence and stalking throughout New Hampshire, and promoting community service and a lifetime commitment to volunteerism. AVAP is part of AmeriCorps, a national service program that offers opportunities to Americans who are interested in making a substantial commitment to serve their country through national service.
 
 

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and its 13 member programs are deeply appreciative of the Governor’s proposed increase of state general funds domestic violence services. The Governor has proposed an increase to the “Domestic Violence Programs General Fund” within the Health and Human Services Budget from $643,456 per fiscal year to $1.2 million per fiscal year.
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“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Sununu for his leadership and work to prioritize lifesaving services for victims of domestic violence and their children. When survivors find the strength to come forward and seek support, their courage should be met with adequate services and a commitment to their safety. In the last two years, our programs were forced to turn away 1,854 adult survivors and 1,310 children in need of immediate housing. Lack of space in emergency shelter or underfunded programs should never be a reason a survivor is denied safety – victims in our state deserve better. We look forward to working with both the House and Senate to earn their support, and to show victim/survivors that the state of New Hampshire is committed to ending domestic violence in the Granite State.” - Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs for the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

“The work being done by Bridges, and crisis centers across the state helps survivors stand on their own two feet again by helping them to rebuild their credit, create a budget, secure employment, find housing, and save money for themselves and their children. With an increase in state funding, we will be able to build upon the work already being done and help even more survivors find independence. Recently, we helped a mother of 3 who was participating in our transitional housing program to apply for a scholarship for school and repair her credit through our microloan program. I’m thrilled to share that she has since graduated from college, gotten a job, and is living on her own with her children free from abuse and is completely financially independent. The Governor’s proposed budget will allow us to assist more victims in writing their success story, much like this survivor did.”  - Executive Director of Bridges: Domestic and Sexual Violence Support, NH’s Nashua-based crisis center.

“Survivors of domestic violence living in rural communities, like the ones that we serve in Coos County, face additional barriers when seeking to leave their abuser or access support services. When any survivor makes the brave decision to leave, the risk of lethality significantly increases. In a small NH town where everyone knows each other, that survivor is in even more danger. No survivor fleeing abuse should ever be turned away from emergency housing – unfortunately, this the current reality facing far too many survivors in NH. Lack of capacity and resources limits our ability to support those who need it most and additional state dollars will go a long way in our ability to keep NH survivors and families safe.” – Deb Haynes-Kenney, Program Director of Response to Sexual and Domestic Violence, the NH crisis center serving survivors in Coos County.
“For me, Turning Points Network helped me out of a very dangerous situation. When I came into shelter I was severely injured and desperately needed support. I’m fortunate to have found safety – Turning Points Network has been my life line. Crisis centers prevent violence, end cycles of abuse, and help survivors in NH to heal.” – Diane T., NH domestic violence survivor.

In the last two years, New Hampshire’s crisis centers served nearly 30,000 victims, yet were forced to turn away 1,854 adults and 1,310 children from emergency domestic violence shelter due to lack of capacity. That means that 3,164 Granite Staters who were in imminent danger, and sought support in the midst of crisis were unable to take refuge in shelter simply due to lack of funding.

This budget request recognizes that it’s past time to ensure that child and adult victims impacted by domestic violence have access to the services that they need and deserve in the hospital, in the courtroom, and beyond. With additional state support, our crisis centers will help survivors of domestic violence access safe and stable housing, build a financially secure future for themselves and their children, and take strides towards leading lives free from violence.
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The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.

We are committed to upholding campus safety and preserving each student’s right to learn in an environment that is free from harassment and violence. The New Hampshire Campus Consortium Against Sexual and Interpersonal Violence and The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence stand with the NH Federal Delegation, Governor Chris Sununu, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the American College Personnel Association in expressing our concerns with the recently proposed Title IX regulations brought forward by the U.S. Department of Education.
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We fear that the proposed regulations would have a chilling effect on New Hampshire campuses, and jeopardize student and campus safety by:

• Narrowing the scope of cases that schools are required to respond to by adopting a stringent definition of sexual harassment, allowing schools to ignore instances of violence that happen off-campus, and creating barriers for students to report misconduct;
• Allowing schools to adopt problematic standards and processes that closely mirror the criminal justice system, such as the use of a higher standard of proof in adjudication and requiring in-person cross-examination of the victim and witnesses; and
• Permitting schools to use mediation processes rather than formal investigations in cases of sexual assault.

“Schools have a responsibility to keep all students and members of the campus community safe. We are concerned that the proposed regulations will deter students from coming forward and reporting, therefore limiting a school’s ability to respond to potential threats to campus safety,” said Robin Burroughs Davis, Chair of the NH Campus Consortium Against Sexual and Interpersonal Violence.
 
“It is difficult enough for students who have been sexually assaulted or harassed to come forward and report their experience – institutions cannot afford to take steps backwards in working to combat campus-based violence,” said Madison Lightfoot, Communications Specialist for the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
 
We encourage institutions of higher education, supporting organizations, allied professionals, students, and parents, to participate in the public comment period, which ends on January 30th.
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The New Hampshire Campus Consortium Against Sexual and Interpersonal Violence is a statewide collaborative of New Hampshire colleges, universities, and professionals working collectively to develop and implement strategies to end interpersonal violence on NH’s campuses. The Consortium has participation from 22 NH colleges, both public and private, as well as the system office for the Community College System of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and its member programs. For more information visit www.nhcampusconsortium.org
 
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.

“We’re pleased to see the N.H. Supreme Court has upheld the trial court’s decision to hold Owen Labrie accountable for his crimes. Sexual assault cases are among the most under-reported crimes and cases rarely result in a conviction. In order to change the existing culture that minimizes sexual violence and silences survivors, we must continue to hold offenders accountable and demonstrate to victim/survivors that we take these crimes seriously. Our thoughts are with Chessy Prout who courageously came forward in this case and we hope today’s decision allows her to move forward. Thank you to the N.H. Supreme Court for standing with victims of crime in making today’s critical decision.” - Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs for the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. 

About the Coalition:
NHCADSV is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy. The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on 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. For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.
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