Domestic Violence - Resources for Victims

Nationwide, domestic violence is an enormous public safety problem, as it is in New Hampshire. Each year in our state, over 5,700 victims of domestic violence seek assistance from crisis centers, and it is currently the leading cause of homicide in the state. Recognizing the need to proactively address this critical social problem, the State of New Hampshire has made a strong commitment to work to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in our society and to meet the needs of those most affected.

Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse used by one partner in a relationship to maintain power and control over the other partner. It occurs in families from all economic, educational, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Ninety-five percent of the victims of spousal abuse are women, and it is estimated that three to four million women are beaten each year in our country. Violence in one generation encourages violence in the next generation, creating a cycle of abuse. Almost two-thirds of the men who abuse their partners witnessed abuse or were abused as children, and witnessing domestic violence is the single best predictor of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality for males.

NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
P.O. Box 353, Concord, NH 03302-0353 (603) 224-8893 (Office)

The N.H. Coalition is comprised of 14 programs throughout the state that provide services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The services are free, confidential, and available to all victims regardless of age, race, religion, sexual preference, class, or physical ability. The services include:

• 24-hour crisis line
• Emergency shelter and transportation
• Legal advocacy in obtaining restraining orders against abusers
• Hospital and court accompaniment for rape survivors
• Information about and help in obtaining public assistance

Local Programs