1. Victim and Witness Rights
- New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission
Offers financial compensation and support services for victims of violent crimes, including counseling and relocation assistance. - New Mexico Attorney General – Victims’ Rights
Provides a summary of constitutional and statutory rights for crime victims and witnesses.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Law Help New Mexico
Statewide legal portal offering free legal information, self-help tools, and referrals for protective orders and civil claims. - New Mexico Legal Aid
Provides free legal services to low-income individuals in civil matters, including domestic violence, stalking, and harassment.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: NMSA § 30-3A-3
What it means: Willful, repeated conduct intended to cause a reasonable person to feel fear or severe emotional distress. Includes in-person and digital actions. - Harassment: NMSA § 30-3A-2
What it means: Knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that seriously alarms or annoys another person, with no legitimate purpose. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under NMAC § 6.12.7 (Education Code)
What it means: Schools must implement anti-bullying and cyberbullying policies, reporting processes, and intervention programs for student safety. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on New Mexico case law and legal precedent.
What it means: Victims may file a civil lawsuit for libel or slander if false statements result in reputational or financial harm. No criminal penalties exist.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 for emergencies or when personal safety is at risk.
- Report non-emergency harassment or stalking to your local police department or sheriff’s office.
- New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NMCADV)
Provides support services, legal help, and shelter access for survivors of abuse and harassment statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Connects victims to crisis counselors and shelter resources 24/7 throughout New Mexico.
5. Support Organizations
- New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Coordinates a network of providers offering legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and trauma-informed support. - Esperanza Shelter
Provides comprehensive domestic violence services, including legal advocacy and housing support in Santa Fe and surrounding counties.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
New Mexico courts allow individuals to petition for Civil Orders of Protection for domestic abuse, stalking, and harassment. These orders can prohibit contact, monitor compliance, and provide immediate legal protection. Legal Aid and court clerks can help with the filing process.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- New Mexico Public Education Department – Bullying Prevention
Offers guidance on district responsibilities, student protections, and reporting procedures related to bullying and cyberbullying.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- New Mexico Courts – Protection Order Forms
Provides access to court-approved forms and filing instructions for stalking and harassment-related orders.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers guidance on managing online privacy, avoiding surveillance, and responding to digital threats or abuse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
