This photo provided by the Concord Police Department shows New Hampshire state Sen. Jeff Woodburn. Woodburn, the Senate's minority leader, faces charges including simple assault, domestic violence and criminal mischief stemming from the encounters that took place both last year and this year. Woodburn is accused of hitting and biting a woman and kicking in the door of her house. (Concord Police Department via AP)
This photo provided by the Concord Police Department shows New Hampshire state Sen. Jeff Woodburn. Woodburn, the Senate's minority leader, faces charges including simple assault, domestic violence and criminal mischief stemming from the encounters that took place both last year and this year. Woodburn is accused of hitting and biting a woman and kicking in the door of her house. (Concord Police Department via AP)

Littleton, N.H. — A New Hampshire state senator charged with domestic violence plans to argue at trial that he acted in self-defense.

Sen. Jeff Woodburn, a Democrat from Whitefield, pleaded not guilty in August to nine charges alleging he struck and bit a woman and kicked in the door of her home. WMUR-TV reported that in court documents filed Thursday, Woodburn says any force he used against the woman was necessary in order to leave a volatile situation she created. Woodburn says the woman repeatedly tried to block and restrain him, including brandishing a knife.

Woodburn, who stepped down as Senate Democratic minority leader after his arrest, faces Republican David Starr of Franconia in the November election.

Woodburn’s attorney declined to comment on the documents, which were later sealed.

A trial date has been set for Dec. 17.