Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee (DVFRC) has issued its first biennial report, identifying 11 recommendations to strengthen the State’s response to domestic violence and help prevent future fatalities.

The DVFRC was created by legislation signed into law by Governor Kelly A. Ayotte in 2025. The Committee conducts multidisciplinary, confidential reviews of domestic violence fatalities to identify gaps in services, systemic challenges, and opportunities for prevention. Its work examines the circumstances surrounding domestic violence deaths and develops recommendations to improve law, policy and practice across New Hampshire.

Over the past year, the Committee conducted in-depth reviews of two domestic violence homicides and developed 11 recommendations based on those reviews. The recommendations focus on strengthening offender accountability, supporting victims, improving coordination and communication among professionals and agencies, and promoting earlier intervention. The Committee believes the implementation of these recommendations will improve the State’s response to domestic violence. The Committee will continue to meet, track and monitor the implementation of its recommendations, review cases, and make further recommendations in the years to come.

From 2022 through 2025, 44 people in New Hampshire lost their lives to domestic violence. Of those fatalities, 22 victims were killed by a family member, 20 were killed by an intimate partner, and two others died in domestic violence-related incidents. From 2009 through 2025, domestic violence was a factor in 57% of all homicides in New Hampshire.

The report comes during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of domestic violence and stand with survivors and the families and friends of those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. For anyone impacted by domestic or sexual violence or stalking, free and confidential support services are available across the state 24/7 by contacting the statewide helpline at 1-866-644-3574.