The Law and Duties of Law Enforcement toward Victims of Domestic Violence

The law

It is against the law for your spouse, partner, family or household member to:

• Assault or attempt to injure you or your children or your property (RSA 631:1 through 631:3).
• Threaten you so that you fear for your physical safety or the safety of your children (RSA 631:4).
• Force sexual contact or relations on you against your will (RSA 632-A:2 through 632-A:5).
• Enter your residence or home against your will if you are living separately (RSA 635:2).
• Kidnap or interfere with your freedom against your will (RSA 633:1 and 633:3-a).
• Destroy or threaten to destroy your property, including pets (RSA 634:1 and 634:2).
• Follow you around or act in a way that would make a reasonable person afraid (RSA 633:3-a).
• Harm or threaten to harm an animal or household pet (RSA 644:8).

Protection of Persons From Domestic Violence RSA 173-B Protective Orders (POs)

Peace officer obligations

Peace officers are obligated to use all means within reason to prevent further abuse of domestic violence victims.

By law, they must give the victim immediate and written notice of the rights, remedies, and services available to victims of domestic violence.

In New Hampshire, law enforcement officers must provide you with certain kinds of help if you ask for it. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can ask a law enforcement official to help you:

• Get an emergency telephonic order from a judge for your protection
• Get items from your home, including pets, toiletries, medication, clothing, business equipment, or any other items as determined by the court
• Locate a safe place such as a crisis center, a family member’s home, a friend’s home, or another place of safety
• Get an ambulance to take you to get medical treatment
• Get a copy of the law enforcement report filed in your case, free of charge

Language

If English is your second language or you don’t speak any English, you have a right to request an interpreter to assist you with the police and in any court proceedings. Make sure to let the police and/or the court know that you need an interpreter to help you.