New Hampshire Strengthens Laws to Protect Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

CONCORD, NH - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined advocates, lawmakers, and survivors to highlight new laws signed this year to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Governor Ayotte signed several bipartisan laws to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence, combat crimes like human trafficking, and ensure timely restitution payments to victims, including:

• HB 1469: Requires certain massage establishments to be licensed and subject to state oversight, giving regulators and law enforcement another tool to identify illegal activity, including human trafficking.
• HB 1576: Strengthens the process for collecting court-ordered restitution and requires victims to be notified about changes or interruptions in their payments.
• HB 1651: Gives survivors of sexual assault a new civil protection option through a sexual assault protective order, while strengthening their rights to information about and preservation of their sexual assault evidence kits.

"Every survivor deserves to know that New Hampshire stands with them and that our laws are there to protect them when they need help most," said Governor Ayotte. "These new laws build on the progress we made last year by closing gaps in protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, strengthening support for crime victims, and helping to prevent and stop human trafficking. I'm grateful to the survivors, victim advocates, law enforcement, and legislators from both sides of the aisle who have worked tirelessly to strengthen our laws and make New Hampshire even safer."

"Every new law addressing domestic and sexual violence is born out of a survivor sharing their story and legislators, advocates, and leaders like Governor Ayotte coming together to find a solution to gaps in our system," said Rep. Jennifer Rhodes of Winchester. "I want to thank the Governor and everyone involved in this bipartisan effort to strengthen protections for survivors in New Hampshire. To all of the survivors who have yet to come forward, my message is clear: you are seen, you are heard, and you are not alone. Let today be the day that you share your story and know that New Hampshire stands with you."

"The work that crisis center advocates in New Hampshire do every day to provide life-saving services for victims would not be possible without the dedication of Governor Ayotte and the legislature to address domestic and sexual violence in our state," said Shauna Foster, Executive Director at New Beginnings - Without Violence and Abuse. "Survivors deserve to feel safe in their communities, and an important part of that is advancing policies that enhance access to justice and improve victims' rights, like the new laws we are celebrating today."

"New Hampshire has a long tradition of leading the nation in passing strong, meaningful laws that support victims, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen public safety," said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. "The legislation signed into law this year will make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims and survivors and help make New Hampshire safer for everyone. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Ayotte for her leadership, her longstanding commitment to victims, and her continued partnership in this important work."

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available through the statewide helpline at . Calls are confidential, and advocates are available to listen and support. You are not alone.