Definition:

Domestic violence - It is against the law for someone to threaten or assault you, even if that person is your spouse, partner, someone you are dating, or someone you once dated. (RSA 173-B)

Stalking - The following of a person so as to intimidate or place in fear. In 1993 the State of New Hampshire passed a law making this illegal (RSA 633:3-a). If you believe you are being stalked and are unsure, there is a more extensive definition below.

Protective Orders: (Addtional information & Sample Language)

If you have been subjected to abuse by a spouse or intimate partner you may petition the court for protective orders to

• prevent further abuse     
• prevent harassment for you or your family members
• grant you exclusive possession of your residence
• provide for custody of children

• provide for financial support
                                                                        

Petitions may be filed without a fee at the District or Superior Court. If the courts are not open, an emergency order of protection may be obtained by contacting your local police department. This emergency order is only good until the court closes on the next business day.

Safety

The safety of all survivors of domestic violence is a priority of the Exeter Police Department. Protective orders and bail conditions can help in ensuring your safety. They are most effective when the abuser obeys the conditions set by the court.

In some instances your safety and the safety of of your children will depend on your developing a safety plan for your protection. It may also involve temporarily staying in a protected environment such as family, or a safe house. Phone numbers to assist in this are listed below.

Criminal Prosecution

When the officer responds to a complaint of domestic violence, an investigation is conducted  to determine if probable cause exists to believe that an assault or other criminal violation has occurred. An abuser may be arrested for:

• assault   
• threats
• trespass
• vandalism
• stalking
• violation of a protective order
• or any other crime

When the offender is arrested, they may be held in jail or released on bail. A condition of bail will be to have no contact with you until the matter is resolved by the court.

Stalking - It is against the law for someone to :

• follow another person from place to place on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose with the intent to place such person in fear for his or her personal safety.
• appear on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose in proximity to the residence, place of employment or other place where another person is found with the intent to place such person in fear for his or her personal safety
• follow another person from place to place on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her person
• appear on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose in proximity to the residence, place of employment, or other place where another person is found under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety
• after being served with, or otherwise provided notice of, a protective order pursuant to RSA 173-B or RSA 458:16 or an order that prohibits the person from having contact with specific individuals pursuant to RSA 597:1-a, III, on a single occasion and in violation of the provisions of such order to:

                   a) follow another person from place to place or
                   b) appear in proximity to any other place described in the protective order; or bail order.

RESOURCES

A Safe Place                                                 Sexual Assault and Support Services     
PO Box 674                                                 7 Junkins Avenue
Portmouthuth, NH 03802                              Portsmouth, NH 03801
1-800-852-3388 (crisis line)                         1-800-747-7070 (crisis line)
436-7924                                                     436-4107

Rockingham Superior Court                          Exeter District Court
PO Box 1258                                               PO Box 1149
Kingston, NH 03848                                     Kingston, NH 03848
642-6314                                                     642-9173

Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Center    NH Legal Referral System
PO Box 1344                                               1-800-639-5290
Concord, NH 03301
1-800-852-3388 

FACTS

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries to women between the ages of 15 to 44, more common than rapes, muggings, and car accidents combined. - US Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop

Women are 10 times more likely than men to be victims of violent crime in intimate relationships. - U.S. Department of Justice

22 to 35% of women who visit emergency rooms are there for injuries related to on-going abuse. - JAMA 1990

LINKS