March 30, 2020
Contact: Amanda Grady Sexton, (603) 548-9377

The news and ever-changing circumstances of the coronavirus crisis is distressing, especially for those who may not be safe in their own home. As families remain in isolation with increased stressors such as school closures and financial insecurity, the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence expects to see the incidents of domestic violence and child abuse increase.

“We know from what we have already seen across the globe, it’s not a matter of if domestic violence will increase during this crisis, but by how much it will increase. Will we see a rise of 30% or will we see incidents completely skyrocket as they did in Wuhan during the quarantines? It’s alarming to know that so many survivors, who would ordinarily have the time and space away from their abuser to make a call and set up a safety plan, no longer have the opportunity to do that. There’s no reprieve, their every moment is being watched,” said Pamela Keilig, Public Policy Specialist of the Coalition. “The rates globally are accelerating at an enormous pace, but they reflect only the victims who can reach out or where we see police intervention. Sadly, what we are seeing across the world, is probably just the tip of the iceberg.”

Though quarantining is keeping families safer from the COVID-19 virus, it is an incredibly stressful time for even the healthiest of families. In families where the dynamics of coercion and abuse already exist the danger of violence is greatly elevated. “Many abusers have lost jobs, are increasing substance use, and are suddenly having to care for children around the clock. These experiences are never an excuse for domestic violence or sexual abuse, but it is a volatile mixture,” said Pamela Keilig.

It is well known that abusers use emotional and physical abuse to isolate and manipulate victims. The shelter-in-place order during the coronavirus crisis gives them a built-in excuse to further isolate their partners and establish control. We are seeing more and more stories each day about domestic violence that may be quarantine related. 

Additionally, the continued call for the release of prisoners to protect them from coronavirus adds another layer of anxiety for victims who are worried that their abuser or perpetrator may be released early, and without warning. It is vital that the impact on crime victims be a priority as decisions are being made during these unprecedented times.

Despite the closures of so many businesses, advocates at the 13 member programs of the Coalition are still available 24/7 to help survivors get the support and resources they need to keep themselves and their children safe. Courts are still open for restraining orders and other emergencies. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, who are trained through the Coalition’s SANE Program are still ready to help survivors who may have been sexually abused. Though in-person advocacy at New Hampshire’s crisis centers, for the most part, has been temporarily reduced and may look different,  the networks that exist to support and keep survivors safe are still in place.

Many people have asked what they can do to help survivors and crisis centers at this time. One of the major issues the Coalition's member programs are facing is the cancellation of all major spring fundraisers that they rely on for funding. If people can make donations at this time to their local crisis center, that support is truly needed right now.

"As this situation continues, and after the quarantine is over, there will be a lot of work for advocates to do to help the survivors and their children who have experienced or witnessed abuse,” said Pamela Keilig. “Our member programs will be ready, but they will need support from their communities.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing violence or abuse you are not alone and there is help. Advocates are available to provide support, information and create a plan for safety. Services are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more visit nhcadsv.org. 

CONFIDENTIAL STATEWIDE HOTLINES
24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-866-644-3574
24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline:
1-800-277-5570
​
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.

March 20, 2020
Contact: Amanda Grady Sexton, (603) 548-9377
​
As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, the 13 member programs of NHCADSV are committed to ensuring the safety and health of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 

In order to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19, in-person advocacy service availability at the Coalition member programs may be reduced at this time. We encourage anyone who may be seeking in-person advocacy to call our statewide hotlines to find out about current status of those services. 

Despite potential changes to in-person advocacy services at our 13 member programs, our free and confidential statewide hotlines remain available. Domestic and sexual violence advocates are on-call 24/7 to listen, provide information and referrals, and help survivors get the help, care and support they need. As of this time, we foresee no disruptions to our statewide hotline services.

Although NH courts are closed for most in-person hearings, they remain open for victims  who are seeking protective orders and other emergency hearings. Hospitals continue to provide medical care and forensic evidence collection to victims of assault and abuse. And trained, confidential advocates remain available to support victims through these processes.
 
The news and ever-changing circumstances of COVID-19 can be distressing for many, especially those who may not feel safe in their own home. As people are spending more time at home and living with uncertainty and increased stressors such as school closures and financial insecurity, the risk of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse may increase. We also understand, that victims of both domestic violence and sexual assault may potentially feel reluctant to seek out medical care at emergency rooms at this time, fearing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The Coalition and our member programs are committed to ensuring that survivors, who may be under increased pressure and potentially increased danger during this time, continue to have access to support and safety. ​
 
Survivors can always call their local crisis center to safety plan around their personal circumstances so that they can be safe from violence and abuse and get the care that they need. 

The Coalition is working with our state and national partners, as well as our federal delegation on this emergent issue. We will continue to update the public as NHCADSV and our member programs work to ensure survivors’ safety and access to services, while reducing the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

CONFIDENTIAL STATEWIDE HOTLINES
24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-866-644-3574
24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline:
1-800-277-5570
​
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.

March 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Amanda Grady Sexton (603) 548-9377, [email protected]

​The NH Senate’s Disappointing Vote Against Closing the So-Called “Howie Leung Loophole”

Last night the Senate voted against closing the loopholes in New Hampshire’s sexual assault laws brought to light as a result of the case against Primo “Howie” Leung, a former teacher at Concord High School and camp counselor in Newton, Massachusetts.

Last year many citizens in Concord were shocked to learn that adults working at schools and summer camps in New Hampshire are legally permitted to have sexual penetration with teens as young as 16 who they hold a position of authority over. Advocacy from these citizens led to the introduction of HB1240 in the House, and SB468, and SB572 in the Senate.

Although the House unanimously approved a comprehensive reform bill this week, 13 Senators voted against reform and instead passed a watered-down version of a bill that only provides protections against a narrow group of adults who have authority over minors. This bill falls stunningly short of closing the so-called “Howie Leung Loophole,” and still allows gymnastics teachers, camp counselors, scout leaders, and faith leaders to have sexual contact or penetration with 16-year-olds under their direct care or supervision.

Howie Leung stands trial for committing sexual crimes against a child while working as a camp counselor in MA, yet this bill fails to criminalize sexual contact or penetration between an adult camp counselor and their 16 year old camper in the State of New Hampshire. In addition, the amended bill also leaves in place the outdated notion that a prosecutor must prove coercion to show that an adult in a position of authority sexually abused a child, when the most common tactics used by abusers are emotional pressure, shame and blame. Finally, the bill still allows those working in schools to use the defense that a student “consented” to sexual contact in order to escape their crimes.

“Adults in New Hampshire, regardless of their employment status or job description, must be held accountable and should not be allowed to manipulate their position of authority over the youth in their care. Youth in New Hampshire have a right to learn and develop new skills in safe learning and recreational environments without having to worry about being sexually exploited by trusted adults. No teenager should ever have to worry about how to handle inappropriate advances from the very people who are charged with protecting or educating them. We urge the House to protect all kids by re-writing this flawed bill.” said Amanda Grady Sexton, Public Affairs Director for the Coalition.
​
The Coalition would like to express its gratitude to Senator Jeb Bradley, who introduced a floor amendment to address the deficiencies in this bill. We would like to also thank Senator Sharon Carson, Senator David Starr, Senator Bob Giuda, Senator Shannon Chandley, Senator James Gray, Senator Harold French, Senator John Reagan, Senator Regina Birdsell, Senator Chuck Morse, and Senator Ruth Ward for their support of Senator Bradley’s efforts to pass comprehensive legislation.

We encourage anyone who has been sexually or physically abused, no matter when the abuse occurred, to come forward to seek confidential and compassionate support or information through one of the 13 member programs of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Caring advocates are available 24/7 at the Coalition’s statewide hotline at 1-800-277-5570.

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.
​

March 11, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
​Amanda Grady Sexton (603) 548-9377, [email protected]
​
RE: NHCADSV Statement on decision by the NH Department of Justice to launch full investigation into Youth Development Center abuse case

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is grateful to the Department of Justice for bringing an unprecedented number of criminal justice resources to conduct the investigation into the Youth Development Center (YDC) and the pending cases of State v. Jeffrey Buskey and State v. Stephen Murphy.

“By bringing the full force of NH’s law enforcement resources to carefully investigate every claim of abuse and assault that has come to light, we are hopeful that the state can seek justice for any survivor who has suffered egregious harm while under the state’s supervision,” said Lyn Schollett, the Executive Director of the Coalition.

We know that it is not unusual for perpetrators to seek out children who are vulnerable and who have challenges, and children who are under the care of institutions like YDC are particularly vulnerable to abuse.

We also know that many survivors of child sexual abuse commonly never tell anyone about being assaulted until later in life, with the average age of 52 as the age of disclosure. Often, only as adults, do survivors feel safe enough to tell someone and have the emotional support they need or have a true understanding of the abuse that occurred. We often hear from survivors of childhood sexual abuse that they chose to come forward so that other victims don’t feel alone, or so that no other children suffer from the same abuse they experienced

We encourage anyone who has been sexually or physically abused, no matter when the abuse occurred, to come forward to seek confidential and compassionate support or information through one of the 13 member programs of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Caring advocates are available 24/7 at NH’s statewide hotline at 1-800-277-5570.

In addition, the NH Department of Justice urges any person with information regarding criminal conduct at the YDC to contact Sergeant Justin Rowe of the New Hampshire State Police at (603) 223-8849 or [email protected] or Investigator James Kinney at the Attorney General’s Office at (603) 271-1258 or email: [email protected].
 
 
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.

March 11, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Amanda Grady Sexton (603) 548-9377, [email protected]
​
RE: Statement on so-called “Howie Leung Loophole” bills. Coalition applauds unanimous passage of HB1240 and urges the Senate to amend SB572.

Today the House of Representatives unanimously passed HB1240, a bill that closes glaring loopholes in New Hampshire’s sexual assault statutes that were brought to light as a result of the case against Howie Leung, a teacher at Concord High School and a camp counselor in Newton MA. Many citizens in Concord were shocked to learn that adults working at schools and summer camps in NH are legally permitted to have sexual contact with teens over the age of 16. Outcry from these citizens led to the introduction of HB1240 in the House, and SB468 and SB572 in the Senate. The Senate bills will be debated by the full Senate today or tomorrow.

The passage of HB1240 today recognizes that teens cannot freely give consent to sexual contact with those in a position of authority over them because of the imbalance of power.
Specifically, HB1240

1. Ensures that all students in an educational setting are protected, even if they have turned 18, which is especially important for students with disabilities who may be in school longer. 
2. Carves out an exception if the teenager and person in position of authority are less than four years apart in age. It’s extremely important not to criminalize consensual and age-appropriate adolescent sexual activity.
3. Prohibits adults in any position of authority (employee, contractor or volunteer), not just teachers, from engaging in sexual conduct or penetration with student.
4. Removes the requirement that a prosecutor prove that an adult coerced a student to engage in sexual activity.  We know that people in position of authority use grooming tools other than coercion to get minors to engage in sexual conduct. 

 
We applaud the House of Representatives for passing this comprehensive bill. In terms of next steps, HB1240 will head to the Senate Judiciary committee for a hearing and vote.
Later today or tomorrow the Senate will debate two bills that also seek to address the loopholes that exist in New Hampshire’s current law. The Coalition urges the State Senate to pass a bill that contains the same level of protections that exist in the House version of the bill.

The bill that is currently favored to pass the Senate, SB572, only provides protections to children within educational institutions who are exploited by staff at schools. Although this bill aims to close the so-called “Howie Leung Loophole,” it wouldn’t criminalize acts by adult camp counselors, unpaid staff, volunteers, or contractors working at schools. As we know, Howie Leung is alleged to have committed crimes when acting as a camp counselor, and this behavior would not be criminalized under this bill.

In addition, if the Senate passes this bill without amending it to apply to all adults acting in position of authority over teens, it will create a scenario where adults who are gymnastics teachers, camp counselors, scout leaders, and faith leaders are legally permitted to have sexual contact or penetration with teens over the age of 16.

“Trusted adults in New Hampshire, regardless of their employment status or job description, must be held accountable and should not be allowed to manipulate their position of authority over the youth in their care. HB1240 will ensure that our youth are better protected, and that prosecutors can do their job when a teen is taken advantage of by a person in a position of trust and authority over them. We urge the Senate to adopt the same level of protection in their bills that are headed to the Senate Floor.  Youth in New Hampshire have a right to learn and develop new skills in safe learning and recreational environments and should not have to worry about being exploited by trusted adults charged with their care. No teenager should ever have to worry about how to handle sexual advances from the very people who are charged with protecting or educating them,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, Public Affairs Director for the Coalition.
We encourage anyone who has been sexually or physically abused, no matter when the abuse occurred, to come forward to seek confidential and compassionate support or information through one of the 13 member programs of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Caring advocates are available 24/7 at the Coalition’s statewide hotline at 1-800-277-5570.

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.

Today the House of Representatives unanimously passed HB1240, a bill that closes glaring loopholes in New Hampshire’s sexual assault statutes that were brought to light as a result of the case against Howie Leung, a teacher at Concord High School and a camp counselor in Newton MA. Many citizens in Concord were shocked to learn that adults working at schools and summer camps in NH are legally permitted to have sexual contact with teens over the age of 16. Outcry from these citizens led to the introduction of HB1240 in the House, and SB468 and SB572 in the Senate. The Senate bills will be debated by the full Senate today or tomorrow.
​
The passage of HB1240 today recognizes that teens cannot freely give consent to sexual contact with those in a position of authority over them because of the imbalance of power.
 
Specifically, HB1240

1. Ensures that all students in an educational setting are protected, even if they have turned 18, which is especially important for students with disabilities who may be in school longer. 
2. Carves out an exception if the teenager and person in position of authority are less than four years apart in age. It’s extremely important not to criminalize consensual and age-appropriate adolescent sexual activity.
3. Prohibits adults in any position of authority (employee, contractor or volunteer), not just teachers, from engaging in sexual conduct or penetration with student.
4. Removes the requirement that a prosecutor prove that an adult coerced a student to engage in sexual activity.  We know that people in position of authority use grooming tools other than coercion to get minors to engage in sexual conduct. 

 
We applaud the House of Representatives for passing this comprehensive bill. In terms of next steps, HB1240 will head to the Senate Judiciary committee for a hearing and vote.
Later today or tomorrow the Senate will debate two bills that also seek to address the loopholes that exist in New Hampshire’s current law. The Coalition urges the State Senate to pass a bill that contains the same level of protections that exist in the House version of the bill.
 
The bill that is currently favored to pass the Senate, SB572, only provides protections to children within educational institutions who are exploited by staff at schools. Although this bill aims to close the so-called “Howie Leung Loophole,” it wouldn’t criminalize acts by adult camp counselors, unpaid staff, volunteers, or contractors working at schools. As we know, Howie Leung is alleged to have committed crimes when acting as a camp counselor, and this behavior would not be criminalized under this bill.
In addition, if the Senate passes this bill without amending it to apply to all adults acting in position of authority over teens, it will create a scenario where adults who are gymnastics teachers, camp counselors, scout leaders, and faith leaders are legally permitted to have sexual contact or penetration with teens over the age of 16.
 
“Trusted adults in New Hampshire, regardless of their employment status or job description, must be held accountable and should not be allowed to manipulate their position of authority over the youth in their care. HB1240 will ensure that our youth are better protected, and that prosecutors can do their job when a teen is taken advantage of by a person in a position of trust and authority over them. We urge the Senate to adopt the same level of protection in their bills that are headed to the Senate Floor.  Youth in New Hampshire have a right to learn and develop new skills in safe learning and recreational environments and should not have to worry about being exploited by trusted adults charged with their care. No teenager should ever have to worry about how to handle sexual advances from the very people who are charged with protecting or educating them,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, Public Affairs Director for the Coalition.
 
We encourage anyone who has been sexually or physically abused, no matter when the abuse occurred, to come forward to seek confidential and compassionate support or information through one of the 13 member programs of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Caring advocates are available 24/7 at the Coalition’s statewide hotline at 1-800-277-5570.
 
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.