New Hampshire Domestic Violence Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
Abuse that occurs between family or household members can be particularly egregious. As a result, New Hampshire has specific domestic violence laws in place to deter this kind of abuse. The table below briefly outlines New Hampshire's main domestic violence law.
Code Section |
New Hampshire Revised Statutes section 173-B:1: Domestic Violence |
What's Prohibited? |
Domestic violence abuse is prohibited in New Hampshire. Abuse means the commission (or attempted commission) of one or more of the following acts by a family or household member or by a current or former sexual or intimate partner where such conduct is deemed to constitute a credible present threat to the victim's safety:
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Definitions |
The term "family or household member" means:
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Temporary Relief
If the victim (plaintiff) can show an "immediate and present danger of abuse," the court may enter a temporary protective order for the plaintiff. An order for temporary relief may:
- Direct the defendant to relinquish all firearms or ammunition in their control or possession (for the duration of the protective order)
- Restrain the defendant from abusing the plaintiff
- Restrain the defendant from entering the plaintiff's home (except if accompanied by a peace officer in order to remove personal items)
- Restrain the defendant from withholding or damaging the plaintiff's personal property
- Award custody of minor children to either party (based on what is in the best interest of the children)
- Deny the defendant visitation of the couple's children
- Restrain the defendant from contacting or abusing the plaintiff, the plaintiff's relatives, or the plaintiff's household members, and
- Grant the petitioner control of any animal owned by the petitioner, the defendant, or a minor child in either household
In situations where long-term protection is necessary, the court will grant additional protective orders. While these orders can't stop an abuser from hurting a victim again, they do allow the victim to call the police and have the abuser arrested if a provision of the protective order is violated.
Additional Resources
State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding New Hampshire's domestic violence laws contact a local criminal defense lawyer.
If you are a domestic violence survivor there is help available to you. During an emergency dial 911, and when you're safe contact the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.