NHCADSV and Response Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Center Joint Statement on Domestic Violence Related Berlin Homicide

Press Contact:
Madison Lightfoot 
248-342-0361

June 22, 2018

CONCORD – Earlier today, the NH Attorney General’s Office announced an investigation into a homicide that took place in Berlin, NH. Since the launch of the investigation, the Attorney General has made public that the homicide is domestic violence-related. If you have any information regarding this case, we encourage you to contact your local law enforcement agency or the Attorney General’s Office.
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“Sadly more than half of the homicides in New Hampshire are the direct result of domestic violence, and the impact of these crimes have a chilling effect on the entire community. We would like to extend our support to the victim’s family, loved ones, and the entire Berlin community,” said Lyn Schollett, Executive Director of the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. “As Granite Staters, we all have a role to play in keeping one another safe and we must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent future acts of fatal violence. Each of us can take action by supporting the survivors in our lives, learning the warning signs of abuse, becoming familiar with local resources, and knowing when and how to safely intervene. We encourage everyone to reach out to their local crisis center to see how they can get involved in preventing future violence.”

“A loss like this impacts all of us and it is critical that everyone knows they’re not alone in processing this tragedy. Response advocates are available 24/7 to provide emotional support, answer questions, and help in any way we can,” said Deb Haynes-Kenney, Program Director for Response Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Center. “In small towns, like the ones we serve, survivors face additional barriers when deciding whether or not to come forward and seek services.  We would like to remind everyone that our services are completely free and confidential, and you do not need to be in crisis to call. To speak with an advocate, please call our hotline at 1-866-662-4220.”
 
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.
 
About Response Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Center:
Response to Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Center is a program of Coos County Family Health and is the NH crisis center serving victims of domestic and sexual violence in Coos County. Response advocates are available 24-7 on the confidential hotline at 1-866-662-4220. For more information visit http://www.coosfamilyhealth.org/response.php.