A Guide for Educators

Transcription

1 Teen Manual Dating for Title IX Coordinators: Violence: A Guide for Educators Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Schools New Hampshire Governor s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence

2 Acknowledgments This guide was compiled by the Public Education Committee of the NH Governor s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and directly adapted from the Resource Guide for Educators written by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Special thanks to Kimberly Fillmore, Hillsborough County Attorney s Office, Victoria Banyard, Ph.D. and to staff of the Women s Supportive Services for their work on this document. Produced by the Public Education Committee of the NH Governor s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence

3 Table of Contents Letter from Commissioner Nicholas Donahue Letter from Attorney General Peter Heed Introduction What is teen dating violence? How common is teen dating violence? What are the effects of dating violence on victims? How does dating violence affect specific populations? Working with teens affected by dating violence Talking to someone who might be an abuser How educators can help end teen dating violence What does New Hampshire law say? Domestic violence Domestic violence protective orders Types of protective orders Stalking Sexual assault Common facts about sexual abuse Sexual harassment Rape drugs Basic steps a victim can take A safety plan for teens Resources Crisis Centers

4 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 101 Pleasant Street Concord, N.H FAX Citizens Services Line September 19, 2003 Dear Educators, As a new school year begins, my thoughts and best wishes are with you in your schools and classrooms. You are eager to inspire and encourage the students in your care, you have spent time and careful thought on plans for this important work, and you have devised activities to ensure that students will find their time at school relevant and meaningful. I picture you, standing before a new class of students, looking out over the faces: some eager, some bright, some mischievous, some even sleepily inattentive, and then, there are some who -- even at such a young age -- are dull-eyed from secret distress. We know that each year a certain number of students in our schools are involved in abusive relationships that erode their self-worth and preoccupy their thoughts and attention, and put at risk their health and safety. These relationships prevent young people from taking full advantage of the opportunities that their school experience affords them. Their grades suffer, their communication and self-management skills suffer, and finally, their social skills suffer. Some try to communicate the anger and helplessness they feel through behavior, but many become withdrawn, and too much time goes by before anyone knows why. Down the road these students may experience school failure, all stemming from a violent dating experience or a controlling, abusing relationship. While we must continue to have the highest expectations for all students to take responsibility for themselves, there is something we can do to help. There are resources throughout New Hampshire to support you, your administrators, and your students with the issue of dating violence. This educator's guide is one excellent source of information and your local crisis center is another. I encourage you to team, as a school, with your local crisis center to identify prevention education curricula on a range of issues such as bullying and harassment, teen dating violence, and sexual assault. Crisis center staff are willing to work with schools, guidance and health departments, and educators to present prevention strategies so that every child and adolescent can feel safe and supported. Thank you for caring for the students entrusted to you each day and for making such a positive difference in their lives. For more information on ways to support students contact our Office of Guidance and Counseling at or the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at Commissioner of Education 2 TDD Access: Relay NH or 711 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

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6 Introduction Teen dating violence is an issue that impacts many students throughout New Hampshire. Educators must be aware of and prepared to deal with these issues. While no publication can anticipate all eventualities, this guide presents you with the basic information you will need in order to assist a student who comes to you for advice. Teen dating violence, like all domestic violence, is based on issues of power and control. As an educator, it is important for you to remember that your task is to provide guidance to the victims. You should work to empower your students to develop the courage needed to make the correct decisions, without being controlling yourself. We encourage every educator to contact their local domestic violence or sexual assault crisis center for information, and to ask their school s guidance department to have brochures available to students. We hope that this guide will help reduce the frequency of teen dating violence, and make the lives of students safer and more enjoyable. 4

7 What Is Teen Dating Violence? Teen dating violence is a pattern of coercive behaviors used by one person to gain power and control over another. Abusive behaviors may include physical violence, sexual violence, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, stalking, economic control or a combination of any of these behaviors. Research has shown that teen dating violence often occurs in a committed relationship and may be perceived by teens as a normal part of relationships. Indeed, one complicating factor for teens in abusive relationships is that they may not have a clear idea of what a healthy relationship is. Teens may mistake such things as jealousy for love and teens who abuse their partners usually see their actions as justified. Teens need help in learning that healthy relationships include nurturing love where each partner works so that the loved one will grow, flourish, and develop to their fullest potential. In unhealthy relationships, one partner may demand that the other person be continually available, they may be suspicious about fidelity, and they may view the loved one as a possession. How common is teen dating violence? Approximately one in five female high school students in the United States (grades 9 12) reported being physically and/or sexually assaulted by a dating partner. Estimates range from 30 45% of teens reporting that a dating partner physically and/or sexually assaulted them. Girls reported that their boyfriend initiated the violence 70% of the time while boys said girlfriends were the initiators 27% of the time. Girls are more likely to experience sexual dating violence and are more likely to experience more severe physical dating violence such as being punched. (Molidor & Tolman, 1998) 5

8 What are the Effects of Dating Violence on Victims? The effects of dating violence can be severe and can vary from person to person. These effects may include: Emotional and physical effects: fear, anger, sorrow, surprise, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, physical symptoms, suicide attempts, sudden personality changes, disrupted sense of self, reduced sense of control of one s world, damage to emerging sexual identity development, low self-esteem. Behavioral and school effects: increased substance use, drop in school performance, alienation from peers and family, withdrawal from school and social activities. Effects among students in New Hampshire: Using data from the New Hampshire Teen Assessment Project, preliminary exploratory research has examined links between reports of physical and sexual abuse in dating relationships and several school outcomes. Among teens who were asked questions about teen dating violence, those who were victims of physical and/or sexual dating violence reported less positive views of school, more agreement with the statement that they would drop out before finishing high school, lower average grades, more missed classes, and higher recent feelings of depression and suicide. While the sample of students in this research is not representative of all NH students, the data shows us the toll that dating violence can take on students in schools in our own local communities. 6

9 How Does Dating Violence Affect Specific Populations? Specific populations may be more vulnerable to dating violence and may have a more difficult time reaching out and receiving assistance. Researchers have found that special circumstances may make some young people more vulnerable to dating violence. These groups include: Pregnant teens Research shows that women are more at risk for abuse during pregnancy: one in five teen women and one in six adult women report experiencing abuse during their pregnancy. This abuse has been linked to a variety of medical complications including miscarriage, stillbirths and low birth-weight infants. Teens of color Racism can cause young people to feel limited in their options for success and may keep them tied to abusive partners. Concerns about the cultural sensitivity of professional services can impede the seeking of help, and social stigma against speaking about violence can lead survivors to feel shame and the need for secrecy about their experiences. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens often lack visible role models. The secrecy that these teens may feel about their relationships can make it even harder to get help. Fear of homophobic reactions by friends, family, and professionals may keep teens from talking about the abuse they are experiencing. Teens with disabilities Research shows teens who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities experience abuse more often than their peers. They often face additional barriers to receiving assistance because of their disabilities. 7

10 Working With Teens Affected By Dating Violence You don t have to do it alone! Remember, there are valuable community resources that can help you. New Hampshire has 14 crisis centers in local communities with information and expertise about the problem of teen dating violence. As an educator and a community member, you can use these resources that are available to everyone not just survivors of abuse. You also can access people in your school (e.g. school counselor, nurse, Title IX coordinator) who have valuable information that may assist you. Be a good listener. Trust your instincts and offer to listen to teens about what is going on in their relationships. Don t be judgmental. Try to understand that abusive relationships are very intense and create feelings of fear, confusion, and isolation, as well as caring for the other person. Show sensitivity and concern and explain the reasons for your concern. Many victims feel relieved if someone asks and many will wait for others to notice what is going on. Be careful not to blame victims or to pressure teens for decisions. Emphasize safety. Breaking up is the most dangerous time for a victim as it is associated with the highest levels of violence. Ending the relationship will not guarantee an end to the violence. It is important that teens be involved in extensive safety planning (see page 20 for a sample safety plan). Help teens find safety planning resources. Recognize that their fear is real and they may be in real danger. 8

11 Empower teens. Help teens to help themselves this is their crisis, their process, their decision. Help create an opportunity for them to help themselves and see themselves as their own best resource. Don t tell them what to do. Ask for their own ideas and solutions as well as their ideas about how you can help. Help them identify support systems and positive coping resources that they already have. Understand that people make changes when they are ready to make them. Help connect teens to other resources and information. Many resources are listed in the back of this booklet. Know your own limits. Make appropriate referrals to your local crisis center. Be honest with what you are willing and able to do. Be honest about what you know and don t know. Get resources and support for yourself. Be mindful of your own safety since helping someone else may put you at risk. Be a role model for healthy relationships. Communicate that dating violence is serious. If you are approached by an abusive teen, convey your concern about their behavior and encourage them to seek resources to help with their behavior and to help them make healthy choices. Learn more about legal requirements concerning reporting or keeping information confidential. Consult with your school about any specific policies that are in place. 9

12 Talking to Someone Who Might Be an Abuser DON T Point out particular times they treated their partners badly; this may increase the risk to that partner afterward. If they talk about their partner in a negative way, do not indicate you think it s OK by saying nothing. Try to act as a go-between or referee for the couple. This could make the situation more dangerous for the victim and may put you in danger. Tell jokes or stories that make abuse seem OK. Make excuses for their behavior. If you witness an assault, do not put yourself in danger by trying to get involved. Call 911 if you witness an assault. DO Be careful how you approach them; telling them they are wrong or need to stop may endanger their partner even more. Let them know that violence is not OK. Talk about how important respect, equality and non-violence are in a relationship. If a student admits that they are abusive, offer to help them find someone to talk with who specializes in abuse. Keep reminding the person that being abusive is a CHOICE, and that there are alternatives to being abusive. Let them know that their partner does not need to change in order for them to stop being abusive. 10

13 How Educators Can Help End Teen Dating Violence Learn more about resources for teens. You may be the first or only person the teen tells about their abusive relationship. Be ready with resources. Learn more about warning signs. Often times violence in a teen relationship will happen when the couple is alone and you may not see physical signs like bruises. There are signs of abuse, however, that may be evident, including name-calling and put-downs, extreme jealousy, uncontrolled anger, and attempts to isolate one s partner. Partner with your local Crisis Center to bring awareness and understanding of teen dating violence to your students and staff. Offer guest speakers in your class or school, display public awareness posters; incorporate information about dating violence into your lesson plans; develop a class discussion about issues related to teen dating violence; present a fact-a-day during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October and Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. 11

14 What Does New Hampshire s Law Say? New Hampshire has many laws addressing relationship abuse, including sexual abuse and stalking. The protection of the law includes people of all ages. No matter what their age, everyone is entitled to protection from abuse under the law. Please note: Staff and volunteers of crisis centers, like all adults in New Hampshire, are required to report the abuse of a person under the age of 18 to the NH Division for Children, Youth, and Families ( ). If a person under the age of 18 calls the hotline anonymously, a report will not be made. Domestic violence New Hampshire s domestic violence statute is RSA Chapter 173-B is a long set of laws covering many aspects of relationship abuse. To view the complete statute, go to Under 173-B abuse is defined as the commission or attempted commission of one or more of the following acts by a family or household member or current or former sexual or intimate partner (this includes dating partners) and where such conduct constitutes a credible threat to the plaintiff s safety. The acts covered include assault or reckless conduct, criminal threatening, sexual assault, interference with freedom (restraining someone against their will), destruction of property, unauthorized entry (entering your home without your permission), and harassment. Domestic violence protective orders Minors are protected by the law and may apply for a protective order, which is a court order that requires the person abusing you to stay away from you. No parent or guardian is needed in order for a minor to apply for and be granted a protective order and there is no fee for filing for one. The student does not have to have a lawyer to apply for a protective order. 12

15 As an Educator, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you think a student might need a protective order: Schools should have policies in place to help effectively enforce protective orders. If a student is thinking of filing for a protective order, you might consider consulting the appropriate school administrator for information on how your school handles such cases. Schools should review their policies on the effective enforcement of protective orders on at least an annual basis in order to ensure that they are in compliance with current existing law. If your school does not currently have such a plan in place and would like assistance in creating one, you may contact Mariane Gfroerer, Supervisor, Office of Guidance and Counseling at the NH Department of Education at Types of Protective Orders A temporary protective order is an emergency order that is granted in cases where there is an immediate and present danger of abuse. The court may issue temporary protective orders by telephone or fax. A temporary protective order may include language restraining the abuser from abusing the individual or their family, from entering the individual s home, from calling them, from contacting them at work, school, or any place they and their family regularly go, from withholding their property, and it can place limits on visitation if the two of them have children together. The temporary order is granted on an ex parte basis, which means that the abuser is not present when the victim goes to court for the temporary order. Either the District or Superior Court may grant the temporary order. A final protective order does many of the same things, but they are granted for up to a year, and the abuser has the right to a hearing in court to argue against the issuing of a permanent protective order. Abusers will usually be represented by an attorney and the victim must be ready to face the abuser in court. For more information on protective orders contact your local Crisis Center (see page 22). An advocate may be available to accompany the victim to court and help them navigate the legal system. Any willful violation of the terms of a protective order is a crime and could result in the abuser going to jail. If the abuser commits any violation of the protective order, the victim should call 911 right away and document the violation in any way they can. Once an individual has a protective order, the abuser may not contact that individual, even if that individual asks him/her to and even if they re thinking of reconciling. Once the protective order has been granted, it is unwise and possibly unsafe for the victim to contact the abuser, though not illegal for the victim to do so. The victim should keep the protective order with them at all times, and give a copy to the school and their employer, along with a photo of the abuser if possible. The protective order is valid in every state under a federal law called Full Faith and Credit, so the 13

16 individual should take it with them if they travel, especially if there s any chance the abuser could travel to the same area. If there is a protective order issued in another country, the individual can go to court and ask that it also be recognized as a valid protective order here. Stalking Stalking is a crime in New Hampshire. Under the state s statute, relief is available under civil protective orders to stalking victims who are minors. Stalking may take place in the context of an intimate relationship and includes the following illegal behaviors: Following another person from place to place more than once with no legitimate purpose. Appearing more than once with no legitimate purpose at or around a person s home, work, or other place where the person can be found. Intimidating another by causing emotional distress and to threaten another person with death or bodily injury. Following someone from place to place if there is a restraining order or bail order against the follower. If a restraining or bail order is in effect, the follower also is prohibited from showing up at or near any place described in either order. For information on obtaining a stalking order and to find out about safety planning for an individual who is being stalked, contact the Crisis Center nearest you. The full text of RSA 633:3-a (Stalking) is available at Sexual assault Rape is no longer a legal term in New Hampshire. It is now classified as sexual assault. Under RSA 632-A, there are three levels of sexual assault which are summarized here. For the complete text of New Hampshire s laws regarding sexual assault, see RSA 632-A. It can be accessed on the State s website at Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault (AFSA) is defined as sexual penetration, however slight, into an opening (vagina, mouth or anus) against a person s will (without consent) or when the victim is physically helpless to resist. A person is also guilty of AFSA without penetration when he or she touches the genitalia of a person under the age of 13 for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal. It is a Class A felony punishable by up to 10 to 20 years in state prison and includes lifetime registration as a sexual offender. 14

17 Felonious Sexual Assault (FSA) is often referred to as the statutory rape law involving someone between the ages of 13 and under 16. The legal age of consent in New Hampshire is 16. FSA also includes sexual contact, short of penetration, with a person under 13 years old. It is a Class B felony punishable by up to 3 1/2 to 7 years in state prison and includes lifetime registration as a sexual offender. Sexual Assault is unprivileged sexual contact with a person 13 years old or older for the purpose of sexual gratification. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in a house of corrections and includes a 10 year registration as a sexual offender. Sexual Assault Class A Misdemeanor (Effective January 1, 2004) In the absence of any of the circumstances set forth in the AFSA statute, sexual penetration with a person who is between the ages of 13 and under 16 where the age difference between the actor and the other person is 3 years or less. A person found guilty of this Class A Misdemeanor shall not be required to register as a sexual offender. 15

18 Common Facts about Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is ANY sexual contact that occurs without the consent of both people. It can include kissing, touching, grabbing, and any type of sexual contact without a person s explicit consent, including penetration. Consent means that both partners fully verbally agree to the contact without pressure, threats, force, cajoling, emotional blackmail, intimidation, or any other kind of conduct intended to push or force someone to have sexual contact against their will. Sexual comments, pressuring someone to have sex, and sexual harassment also are part of the cycle of sexual assault. Sexual abuse is a serious issue facing teens. Most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone known to the victim, and rape within a teen dating relationship is a growing problem. Drug facilitated sexual assault, perpetrated through the use of rape drugs like ketamine and rohypnol, also is a growing danger and can take place within the context of a teen dating relationship. If a student reports that they have been sexually assaulted, help is available anytime, day or night, by calling your local crisis center. If the Crisis Center is aware that the student is a minor, they will be obligated to report the assault under New Hampshire s child abuse reporting statute. The Crisis Center also can provide you or a student with information on their options for medical care, legal resources, and counseling. Sexual abuse is a serious crime. Students should know the law because if a student is a victim of sexual assault they have legal rights and if they commit sexual assault there are serious legal consequences. For more information on sexual assault, you and your students may want to visit 16

19 Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is a constant and growing problem in many schools. It can happen within the context of a teen dating relationship, in general school interactions, and outside of school grounds. For more information on the implications of sexual harassment in school, including the potential legal consequences for a school district, and for information on developing an effective sexual harassment policy in your school, you can view the Manual for Title IX Coordinators: Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Schools at Sexual harassment includes Making sexual comments about someone s appearance or clothes Making sexually suggestive or explicit jokes Unwanted sexual attention of any kind Staring and other behaviors designed to make someone uncomfortable Repeatedly asking another person to go out when they have already said no Requests or demands that the victim get sexually involved with the harasser Insulting sexual sounds and obscene gestures Unwanted touching anywhere on a person s body, including bumping into or brushing up against someone accidentally When students encounter sexual harassment at school or work by someone in a position of authority, the harasser may issue a quid pro quo, offering a better grade or advancement in return for sex or threatening to fail or fire the victim if they refuse to engage in sexual contact For more information on sexual harassment you and your students can go to 17

20 Rape Drugs Rape Drugs are available in many forms and often are used as recreational drugs. They are used in an increasing number of sexual assaults. They can be in liquid, powder, or pill form and may be hidden in small containers like eye drop bottles and breath mint containers. Just a few drops slipped into a drink can result in memory loss, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness or death. Alcohol can intensify the symptoms of these drugs. Their effects can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. A student who has experienced a drug-facilitated rape may: Wake up feeling extremely hung-over and realize that they can t account for a period of time Remember having a drink, but what happened after that is blank Feel as though they have been sexually assaulted but they can t recall any or all of the incident Drug facilitated sexual assaults often are unreported. Victims of this type of assault may blame themselves because of where they were, whom they were with, or how much they had to drink. They may feel embarrassed that they know they were sexually assaulted, but do not know who the perpetrator is. Someone who believes they may be a victim of this kind of assault should request that the hospital take a urine sample for drug testing. 18

21 Basic Steps a Victim Can Take The following is a list of recommendations for students who have been abused. Contact your local Crisis Center or local police department for additional information regarding specific situations. Document everything and keep a written record of all incidents including dates, times, locations, witnesses and specific facts. You may want to report the incident to law enforcement authorities. Tell family, friends, teachers, co-workers and neighbors anyone you feel comfortable with about the incidents. These can be provided with a description or photo of the abuser, and document in writing any incidents you witness. Save all written material cards, letters, notes, envelopes, s (print copies of them), and telephone messages. Dial *57 after any harassing phone call. The phone company can trace the call for a small fee. Keep a log noting the times of all phone calls and messages. If possible, carry a cell phone so you can call for help if needed. In an emergency, call 911 right away. Be aware of your surroundings so you can tell emergency personnel where you are. Use different routes when going places, and avoid walking alone. Park in well-lit areas, lock your car, use a locking gas cap and always check the passenger areas of your car before getting in. Ask someone you trust to walk you to your destination. 19

22 A Safety Plan for Teens Filling out this safety plan can help you feel safe whether you are staying in your current situation or getting ready to leave. Be sure to review it every so often with someone you trust, and to keep the information useful and up-to-date. For assistance in creating your safety plan you can contact your local crisis center: I will tell (name): and (name): about the abuse and ask them to help me if I use the code word or phrase I will buy a small address book and carry it with me at all times. I will list the following people, agencies, hotlines, or other services I will use this excuse when I m able or ready to leave the situation I will leave before I think a situation will get violent. I usually know things are getting violent when My abuser may try to persuade me not to leave by I can get around this by If I decide to leave, I will go to either of the following places that are unknown to my abuser

23 I will keep the following items in a bag that is ready to go (circle those that apply): keys address book driver s license or other identification social security card school records passport resident card immigration papers prescriptions/medicines small amount of cash and change check book spare clothes pager restraining/protection orders rent papers current unpaid bills insurance papers bus tokens special photos personal items For teens with children: formula and bottle diapers birth certificate child s medical records spare clothes for child child s favorite toys If I leave, I will bring this bag as well as: I will leave spare items, supplies, copies of important papers, and with (name): in case I am unable to get my bag before leaving. I will review my safety plan on (date): with (name): NH Statewide Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline (toll-free) NH Statewide Sexual Assault 24-hour Hotline

24 Resources Hotlines and Other Numbers Note: Relay New Hampshire is a telecommunications relay service that provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. To access Relay NH, call (TTY/VOICE) or 711. New Hampshire NH Statewide Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline (toll-free) NH Statewide Sexual Assault 24-hour Hotline Headrest Teen Hotline hour Crisis intervention, information and referral, and support for New Hampshire and Vermont teens who need a safe place to discuss feelings and options around relationships, school, drugs and alcohol, sexuality, and other issues. NH Helpline hour information and referral for social service agencies and hotlines in New Hampshire Samaritans of South Central NH Suicide Hotline National Alcohol and Drug Helpline/Youthline TEEN (8336) Referrals for help with alcohol and drug abuse. Gay and Lesbian National Hotline Information, advice and referrals. March of Dimes Hotline for Pregnant Abused Teens Free and confidential hotline for teens who are abused and pregnant. National AIDS Hotline AIDS (2437) English; Spanish Counseling, information and referrals. National Domestic Violence Hotline SAFE (7233) (TTY) Counseling, information and referrals. 22

25 National Runaway Switchboard Information, referrals and counseling to runaway and homeless youth, youth in crisis and their families. Planned Parenthood PLAN (7526) Connects caller to nearest PP office. Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) HOPE (4673) For victims of sexual assault. Routes callers to rape crisis center nearest them. Teen Victim Project: FYI-CALL 8:30 am 8:30 pm EST. Monday thru Friday only A project of the National Center For Victims of Crime. WEB SITES Site of the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence with links to its member programs (crisis centers). National Sexual Violence Resource Center A site for teens produced by the NH Governor s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape teen site Tips for teachers and parents from Raphael House of Portland, OR Safe Place, a domestic and sexual violence prevention program in Austin, TX, provides information about abuse against people with disabilities. New Hampshire social services agency empowering individuals and communities to take greater responsibility for their lives and their well-being. A project of Liz Claiborne, Inc., this site offers extensive information about teen dating violence. American Psychological Association publication, Love Doesn t Have to Hurt Teens online. National Center for Victims of Crime: Stalking Resource Center. 23

26 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services in New Hampshire NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence P.O. Box 353 Concord, NH Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (toll-free) (603) (Office) Stateline Sexual Assault Hotline Web Site: The NH Coalition is comprised of 14 programs throughout the state that provide services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment and stalking. The services are free, confidential, and available to everyone regardless of age, race, religion, sexual preference, class, or physical ability. You need not be in crisis to call. The services include: RESPONSE to Sexual & Domestic Violence c/o Coos County Family Health Service 54 Willow Street Berlin, NH (crisis line) (Berlin office) (Colebrook office) (Lancaster office) Women s Supportive Services 11 School Street Claremont, NH (crisis line) (Claremont office) (Newport office) Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Center P. O. Box 1344 Concord, NH (crisis line) (office) Starting Point: Services for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence P.O. Box 1972 Conway, NH (crisis line) (Conway office) (Ossipee office) Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program (SHARPP) University of New Hampshire 12 Ballard Street Durham, NH (crisis line and office) Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention 12 Court Street Keene, NH (crisis line) (Keene office) (Jaffrey office) 24

27 New Beginnings A Women s Crisis Center P.O. Box 622 Laconia, NH (crisis line) (office) Women s Information Services (WISE) 79 Hanover Street, Suite 1 Lebanon, NH (crisis line) (office) The Support Center at Burch House P. O. Box 965 Littleton, NH (crisis line) (Littleton office) (Woodsville office) YWCA Crisis Service 72 Concord Street Manchester, NH (crisis line) (Manchester office) (Derry office) Bridges: Services for Domestic and Sexual Violence Support P.O. Box 217 Nashua, NH (crisis line) (Nashua office) (Milford office) Voices Against Violence P.O. Box 53 Plymouth, NH (crisis line) (office) A Safe Place 6 Greenleaf Woods #101 Portsmouth, NH (crisis line) (Portsmouth office) (Rochester office) (Salem office) Sexual Assault Support Services 7 Junkins Avenue Portsmouth, NH (crisis-toll free) (Portsmouth office) (Rochester office) NH Statewide Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline (toll-free) NH Statewide Sexual Assault 24-hour Hotline

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