Victims and survivors of more than 1,050 current inmates are registered with the NH Department of Corrections for notification services, a nearly 200% increase in 8 years.  This does not include current parolees with registered victims. During SFY 2006, 1,585 victims and survivors were served through 3,475 documented service contacts by Victim Services staff. Victims experiencing domestic violence concerns constituted five (5%) percent of victims and survivors served. (This does not include victims of offenders sentenced for criminal convictions related to domestic violence.) Persons served included 64% females and 36% males. During FY 2006, victims with offenders in the following crime categories were served:

The following services are available for crime victims and survivors:

| Notification of Inmate Custody Changes | Advocacy and Support during Reduced Custody Decisions |
| Accompaniment at Parole Hearings | Reasonable Protection from Intimidation and Harassment |
| Information, Referral and Support | Prison Tours | Restitution |
| Victim-Offender Dialogue | Impact | Customer Satisfaction |

Notification of Inmate Custody Changes

New Hampshire law provides felony crime victims with the right to be notified of changes in offender custody status. Upon request, timely notification is provided to victims and survivors for inmate custody changes involving facility transfers, reduced custody, releases, parole revocations, escape and death of inmate.

Advocacy and Support during Reduced Custody Decisions

Some victims and survivors feel anxious and concerned for their safety when inmates are considered for reduced custody or release. With respect for this concern, the Victim Services Office collaborates with prison classification and community corrections staff. Similar collaboration can occur during the parole process. These crime victims feel safer when the inmate or parolee is restricted from potential contact with them or their families.

Accompaniment at Parole Hearings

Victims have a legal right to provide input to the NH Adult Parole Board prior to its decision about an inmate's release. They may choose to attend hearings with or without the inmate present, or may send written input to the Board. Victim Services staff is available to accompany, support and advocate for victims/survivors who choose to participate. During SFY 2006, this included 386 contacts with victims/survivors served through accompaniment or other support during Parole Board hearings.

Reasonable Protection from Intimidation and Harassment

Crime victims have a right to be free from intimidation by the offender. The NHDOC offers reasonable measures for supporting the emotional and physical safety of victims. Contacts in prison visiting rooms can be restricted. The Victim Services Office advocates for victims complaining of intimidation or harassment by inmates. In collaboration with the victim-witness advocate of the prosecutor's office, the Victim Services staff offers outreach and support for concerned victims and their families. When reasonable information is received about such inmate behavior, appropriate action by the Warden or designee is taken, including cease and desist orders, formal disciplinary measures, or referral to the NHDOC Investigations Bureau for possible prosecution.

Information, Referral and Support

Support and information is available for victims and survivors interested in learning more about an inmate's term in prison. Our employees are available to offer assist and refer crime victims to appropriate resources. While respecting confidentiality of offender treatment needs, knowledge about prisons, probation and parole helps crime victims understand changes in an offender's life "behind the walls" or under supervision in the community. A brochure, Victim Services for Survivors of Crime familiarizes victims with available post-sentence services. A pamphlet entitled Probation & Parole - Community Safety, Victim Respect, Offender Accountability, describes adult probation and parole services in New Hampshire and the importance of victims in the Department's work in the community. A handbook entitled, Time in Prison - Community Safety, Opportunity for Change, provides comprehensive information about New Hampshire's prisons and halfway houses, the processes and programs related to the corrections role in public safety, support for victims, and offender self-improvement. These and other publications are available statewide through victim-witness advocates, crisis centers and our probation-parole officers. Other literature about national and local community resources is also available.

Prison Tours

For some crime victims and survivors, seeing firsthand where inmates are incarcerated helps to understand what "time in prison" is really like. Consistent with security needs, the NH Department of Corrections will arrange tours of our correctional facilities upon request.

Restitution

When an offender is ordered to reimburse the victim for economic losses resulting from crime, the Division of Field Services collects restitution and disburses money to the victim. By law, the NH Department of Corrections and courts have authority to enforce each restitution order until it is paid in full.

Victim-Offender Dialogue (by victim request)

The NH Department of Corrections recognizes the many impacts of violent crime upon victims and survivors. We respect the associated trauma, grief and recovery which crime victims and families experience. Victim-Offender Dialogue empowers interested victims/survivors to meet with the offender. For people seeking opportunity to meet constructively with their offender to assist in recovery and healing, the Victim Services Office coordinates a facilitated dialogue in a safe environment. The dialogue is victim-sensitive and only occurs through extensive collaboration and preparation to promote the physical and emotional safety of the parties. With sufficient structure, preparation and resources, a facilitated dialogue between victim and offender offers an extraordinary opportunity, for both, in addressing the personal impacts of the crime. Nationally, victims/survivors and offenders participating in such dialogue report it significantly, and favorably, influences their ability to move forward in recovering from the effects of crime.

Impact

Some studies show offenders who learn and understand the impacts of crime are less likely to commit another crime. In partnership with victim advocates and correctional facility staff, a victim impact educational program is available to many prison inmates. IMPACT teaches how crime harms people and communities -- physically, emotionally and financially. It is an opportunity for inmates to improve empathy toward victims and other people. It offers opportunities for interested victims and survivors to be involved in correctional efforts to prevent further victimization in the community. IMPACT classes address the multiple effects of crime, including property/robbery, assault, homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crime, driving while intoxicated/drug offenses, child abuse and crimes against the elderly. Pre-post testing and other evaluation methods will measure whether inmates achieve a greater understanding about the impact of crime and improved empathy toward victims, survivors and others.

Customer Satisfaction

In August 2002, a Victim Services Satisfaction Survey was distributed to 418 randomly selected persons, 42% of the total served by our Victim Services Office during the preceding 12 months. A similar survey was initiated in August 2004. Questions address perception about whether crime victims' rights and needs are met during the post-conviction phase of the justice system. Anonymity is encouraged. Results are used to identify continued improvements. In 2002, 31% of survey recipients responded, with the following results: