### **1. What Are the Laws Regarding Sex Work in Merrimack?** **Short Answer:** Prostitution is illegal in Merrimack under New Hampshire state law (RSA 645:2), with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Solicitation, patronizing, or operating a brothel are felony offenses. New Hampshire classifies prostitution as a **Class A misdemeanor** for first-time offenders, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fines. Repeat offenses or involvement in sex trafficking escalate charges to felonies. Law enforcement prioritizes combating exploitation through task forces like the NH Human Trafficking Collaborative. Legal exemptions exist for victims of trafficking under the state’s Safe Harbor law (RSA 633:7), which redirects them to social services instead of prosecution. —### **2. How Can Sex Workers Access Safety Resources in Merrimack?** **Short Answer:** Local nonprofits and health departments offer confidential STI testing, violence prevention kits, and emergency housing. Key providers include the Merrimack County Public Health Network and Waypoint NH. **Harm Reduction Programs:** – **STI Testing:** Free clinics at **Merrimack County Health Department** (e.g., HIV/hepatitis C screening). – **Violence Prevention:** **Waypoint NH** provides discreet panic buttons and safety planning for high-risk individuals. – **Emergency Housing:** Shelters like **Bridge House** in Nashua offer short-term stays for those fleeing exploitation. **Anonymous Support Channels:** – **National Human Trafficking Hotline:** 1-888-373-7888 (text “HELP” to 233733). – **NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence:** 24/7 crisis line (1-866-644-3574). —### **3. What Are the Health Risks and Prevention Strategies?** **Short Answer:** STIs, violence, and substance dependency are prevalent risks. Prevention includes regular testing, condom distribution, and partnerships with telehealth counselors. **Common Health Concerns:** – **STI Prevalence:** 23% of New Hampshire sex workers report untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea (CDC data). – **Mental Health:** Anxiety/PTSD rates exceed 60% due to stigma and violence. **Prevention Resources:** – **Condom Distribution:** Free supplies via **NH Harm Reduction Coalition** vending machines in Merrimack. – **Telehealth:** Virtual counseling through **Greater Nashua Mental Health**. – **Substance Use Support:** **Safe Stations** at fire departments provide naloxone and rehab referrals. —### **4. How Does Law Enforcement Distinguish Victims from Offenders?** **Short Answer:** Police use the **”John School” diversion program** for buyers while applying **Safe Harbor laws** to minors and trafficked adults. Investigations focus on traffickers, not victims. **Enforcement Protocols:** – **Buyer Accountability:** First-time offenders attend **John School**, an 8-hour course on exploitation impacts ($500 fee). – **Victim Identification:** Officers screen for trafficking indicators (e.g., branding tattoos, controlled communication). – **Trafficking Penalties:** Coercion or transporting minors for sex work carries 10–30 years in prison (RSA 633:7). —### **5. Where Can Exploitation Victims Seek Legal Help?** **Short Answer:** Pro bono attorneys through **NH Legal Assistance** and victim advocates at **Crisis Centers of NH** aid with protection orders, housing, and expungement. **Legal Pathways:** – **U-Visas:** For trafficking victims cooperating with police (grants temporary residency). – **Record Expungement:** Possible if arrest resulted from trafficking coercion. – **Civil Suits:** Victims can sue traffickers for damages under NH’s Trafficking Victims Protection Act. —### **6. How Can the Community Reduce Stigma and Support Harm Reduction?** **Short Answer:** Education campaigns (e.g., schools, clinics) and supporting nonprofits like **Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP)** Nashua combat stigma. **Actionable Steps:** – **Training:** Workshops for healthcare staff on trauma-informed care. – **Decriminalization Advocacy:** Groups like **DecrimNH** lobby to end penalties for consensual sex work. – **Donations:** Fund hygiene kits or emergency hotel vouchers via **Waypoint NH**. —### **7. What Role Do Online Platforms Play in Safety and Risks?** **Short Answer:** Sites like Skip the Games facilitate advertising but increase exposure to trafficking and scams. Safety apps (e.g., **SafeOffice**) screen clients anonymously. **Digital Safety Tactics:** – **Screening Tools:** Apps verify client IDs without revealing personal data. – **Scam Red Flags:** Requests for free services, vague location details. – **Reporting:** FBI tip line (tips.fbi.gov) targets online trafficking rings. —### **8. How Can Parents or Teachers Spot Youth Exploitation?** **Short Answer:** Warning signs include unexplained gifts, secrecy about relationships, and sudden behavioral shifts. Schools partner with **NH Child Advocacy Centers** for interventions. **Prevention Resources:** – **School Programs:** **Prevent Child Abuse NH** teaches grooming red flags. – **Hotlines:** **Childhelp** (1-800-422-4453) for suspected exploitation. – **Social Media Monitoring:** Apps like **Bark** detect predatory messages.