NH Family Law Research Guide: Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another in the context of an intimate or familial relationship.

Source: NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

In New Hampshire, Domestic Violence is defined legally in RSA 173-B:1, IX. RSA 173-B:1, IX states:

"Domestic violence' means abuse as defined in RSA 173-B, I

RSA 173-B, I states:

I. "Abuse" means the commission or attempted commission of one or more of the acts described in subparagraphs (a) through (h) by a family or household member or by a current or former sexual or intimate partner, where such conduct is determined to constitute a credible present threat to the petitioner's safety. The court may consider evidence of such acts, regardless of their proximity in time to the filing of the petition, which, in combination with recent conduct, reflects an ongoing pattern of behavior which reasonably causes or has caused the petitioner to fear for his or her safety or well-being:

(a) Assault or reckless conduct as defined in RSA 631:1 through RSA 631:3. 
(b) Criminal threatening as defined in RSA 631:4. 
(c) Sexual assault as defined in RSA 632-A:2 through RSA 632-A:5. 
(d) Interference with freedom as defined in RSA 633:1 through RSA 633:3-a. 
(e) Destruction of property as defined in RSA 634:1 and RSA 634:2. 
(f) Unauthorized entry as defined in RSA 635:1 and RSA 635:2. 
(g) Harassment as defined in RSA 644:4. 
(h) Cruelty to animals as defined in RSA 644:8.

Checklist:

• How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Videos:

• What to Expect When Filing or Responding to a Petition for an Order of Protection From Domestic Violence or Stalking
• What to Expect at a Final Domestic Violence or Stalking Order of Protection Hearing

Joshua's Law establishes the crime of domestic violence which will allow police officers and prosecutors to identify patterns by abusers more easily while providing victims with access to support and protections as early as possible. The law was named for Joshua Sayvon, who was fatally shot by his father during a supervised visit at the Manchester YWCA in August 2013. 

The law’s main change is found in RSA 631:2-b, but it also alters portions of RSA 632-A and RSA 633.

Source: New Hampshire Law Library