A bill proposed in Concord would compel sexual assault victims and prosecutors to present more evidence against alleged perpetrators in certain instances. House Bill 106 would require that sexual assault victims provide corroborating testimony against defendants who have no prior sex assault convictions. Victims testified Tuesday that such a law would have made it impossible to tell their stories. "This bill puts out there that all victims do not have any rights, that they are not believed at all," said Angie Semertgakis, who said she was assaulted as a girl. "It absolutely, 110 percent gives predators the green light to offend and reoffend over and over." The bill was inspired by the case of Foad Afshar, a psychotherapist who was convicted of molesting a 12-year-old patient in 2015. Afshar has maintained his innocence. "Some people claim House Bill 106 would send the absolute wrong message to victims of sexual assault. It does not," bill sponsor Rep. William Marsh, R-Wolfeboro, said. "Rather, it sends the message that all citizens are entitled to due process and equal protection under the law." Opponents said sexual assault is already an under-reported crime and perpetrators rely on secrecy. "It's my opinion and long-established practice that a judge and jury are the ones that determine a victim's credibility, with all due respect, not the Legislature," Nashua Police Chief Andy Lavoie said. The Legislature is also considering another bill that would change the term "victim" to "complainant" in sexual assault cases.

A bill proposed in Concord would compel sexual assault victims and prosecutors to present more evidence against alleged perpetrators in certain instances.

House Bill 106 would require that sexual assault victims provide corroborating testimony against defendants who have no prior sex assault convictions. Victims testified Tuesday that such a law would have made it impossible to tell their stories.


"This bill puts out there that all victims do not have any rights, that they are not believed at all," said Angie Semertgakis, who said she was assaulted as a girl. "It absolutely, 110 percent gives predators the green light to offend and reoffend over and over."

The bill was inspired by the case of Foad Afshar, a psychotherapist who was convicted of molesting a 12-year-old patient in 2015. Afshar has maintained his innocence.

"Some people claim House Bill 106 would send the absolute wrong message to victims of sexual assault. It does not," bill sponsor Rep. William Marsh, R-Wolfeboro, said. "Rather, it sends the message that all citizens are entitled to due process and equal protection under the law."

Opponents said sexual assault is already an under-reported crime and perpetrators rely on secrecy.

"It's my opinion and long-established practice that a judge and jury are the ones that determine a victim's credibility, with all due respect, not the Legislature," Nashua Police Chief Andy Lavoie said.

The Legislature is also considering another bill that would change the term "victim" to "complainant" in sexual assault cases.