FRANKLIN, N.H. (AP) – A doctor who reported being raped at her clinic, then mistreated by police, took her case to the City Council on Monday, accompanied by dozens of supporters.
Dr. Kristen Prescott said she was attacked and raped as she was entering Westside Healthcare in February. After she called police, the sergeant who responded ordered her out of the building, into the dark, by herself.
Prescott said she did not tell the sergeant she’d been raped because his response caused her to “shut down.” She said she went public this fall because she believes the police have refused to admit mistakes or make changes.
“Like all these women and men here to support me tonight, we will no longer allow those that would try to victimize us succeed. Whether it is a thug or a civil servant, we will no longer be victims,” Prescott said.
She demanded the council either fire Police Chief Brad Haas or demand he resign, that the sergeant be brought out of retirement to answer questions about his response and that a hotline be opened for others to call in complaints about police.
Mayor David Palfrey said the council understood Prescott’s concerns but did not want to make any comment that “might have an unintended, harmful impact” on an investigation already underway.
The rape is being investigated by state police.
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