Domestic Violence | Merrimack NH

No one, not even someone you live with has right to beat you or threaten you with violence. If this is happening to you, YOU CAN TAKE ACTION. Knowing your legal rights and other options is the first step toward ending the abuse

There is a law to protect you.
What does the law say?
Can this law help?
What can the judge do for me?
What does the Restraining Order do?
What if the abuse or threats happen again?
How can I get a Restraining Order for protection?
What about the "Disconnect The Violence" Phone Loan Program Offered by the Merrimack Police Department?
What if I have more questions or need to go to a shelter?

There is a law to protect you.

If you are being physically or sexually abused or threatened by a family or household member, or you fear such abuse. The law protects you if you are being abused or threatened by your spouse, former spouse, or another family or household member who IS or WAS living in the same household as you, or someone you may have had a dating relationship with. The law protects you from abuse by a person with whom you have a child in common. You need not be married to the abuser or related to be protected under the law

What does the law say?

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may ask the Police or Prosecutor to file a criminal complaint. You also have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an Restraining Order for protection from domestic violence which may include, but need not be limited to, provisions which restrain the abuser from further acts of abuse; direct the abuser to leave your household; prevent the abuser from entering your residence, school, business, or place of employment; award you custody of minor child or children; and direct the abuser to pay support to you and the minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do so.
Can this law help?

Yes... if this individual has abused you physically or sexually, or if you have good reason to fear that this person is about to be violent toward you. This special law in New Hampshire enables you to get a judge to ORDER the abuse to STOP.

The paper that starts this process is called a Petition for Restraining Order for Protection against Domestic Violence. This explains to the judge whom you need protection from and exactly what protection you need. You can ask for help even if you cannot afford to pay court fees. The court clerk will help you in filling out the proper forms. These orders can also be obtained through the Police department by telephone when the court is not open.

If you have left your home to avoid being abused, you can still file a petition.

What can the judge do for me?

After you file your petition, the judge can sign a Temporary or Permanent Restraining Order, or both. Either type of Restraining Order, or order, will tell the abuser that he/she may not be violent toward you. A Temporary Restraining Order can be obtained on the same day you file your Petition, without a hearing and without the abuser knowing first. A Temporary Restraining Order lasts for a stated period of time not to exceed 15 days and is given to you by the judge when you are in immediate danger of being hurt. After business hours, you may seek a Restraining order telephonically through the Police Department. Telephonic Restraining orders last through the close of the next business day.

A Permanent Restraining Order can go into effect later. This Restraining Order is for a stated period of time not to exceed one (1) year, unless extended by the court. The judge may want to hold a hearing before signing the Permanent Restraining Order.
What does the Restraining Order do?

Some things the judge MAY order in the Restraining Order are:

that the abuser not commit any acts of violence against you, your children, or others living with you
that the abuser immediately leave the home you share
that the abuser stay away from your home if you are not living together
that you have temporary custody of any children you and the abuser have together
that the abuser go to counseling

The judge can order other help, depending upon the circumstances. This is why the contents of the Petition and your attendance at all hearings is so important--so that you can tell the judge what you need and why you need it.
What if the abuse or threats happen again?

A person who refuses to follow a judge's order can be put in jail. If the abuser disobeys the judge's order, contact the police or sheriff's department and show them the certified copy of the Restraining Order for Protection. In some cases the officer will arrest the abuser. Also, you can ask the judge to hold the abuser responsible for not following the judge's order.
How can I get an Restraining Order for protection?
What if I have more questions?

Getting help is worth the effort and there are many people who will help you. If you are upset and have questions or if you need a safe place to stay, contact the domestic violence center nearest you from the following list:

Alcoholics Anonymous of Greater Nashua 882-2259
Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support 883-3044
Child Care Information & Referral 883-9330
Child Sexual Abuse Information Line 883-0377
Community Council of Nashua 889-6147
Court Advocacy, Referral & Education 883-3044
Crisis Center Services (Emergency Shelters) 883-3044
Crisis Pregnancy Center 883-1122
Family Planning 888-8989
Narcotics Anonymous (Plaistow) 432-0168
Nashua Children's Association 883-3851
Nashua Senior Center 889-6155
New Hampshire Legal Assistance 800-562-3174
New Hampshire Pro Bono Referral System 800-852-3799
New Start (Alcohol/Narcotics Recovery Program) 882-3000
Veteran's Council 800-622-9230
Woman and Children (WIC) 889-3440
Woman's Resource Center 883-1049