Senate Committee Approves 'Joshua's Law'

Submitted by Sen. Donna Soucy (D-Manchester):

Senator Donna Soucy of Manchester released the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to recommend the passage of Senate Bill 318. Senator Soucy's prime sponsored bill known as “Joshua’s Law” establishes a crime of domestic violence in New Hampshire.

"Joshua’s Law takes existing criminal charges commonly charged in domestic violence cases, brings them under the umbrella of one crime, and labels it what it actually is: domestic violence. Police and prosecutors believe the paper trail this creates would help to identify and stop repeat abusers."

Senate Bill 318  known as “Joshua’s Law” is named after Joshua Savyon of Amherst, who was killed by his father at the YWCA in Manchester. His mother, Becky Ranes, asked Senator Soucy to name this law after Joshua as a way to honor him by helping other families exposed to domestic violence.

"Joshua’s mother told me that she never recognized the signs of domestic violence in her own relationship with Joshua’s father, who killed himself after killing their son. This law would not only shed more light on the issue of domestic violence, but it also would assist others in getting services and protections earlier in the process."

Although, New Hampshire has enacted reasonable civil protections for victims, we still do not yet have a crime of domestic violence. In fact, New Hampshire is one of only 15 states that do not have a crime of domestic violence.

Joshua’s Law is supported by chiefs of police, county sheriffs and attorneys, the Attorney General, and the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Senator Donna Soucy serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee and represents Litchfield as well as Manchester Wards 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the state Senate.