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Strangulation is one of the least talked about threats seen in society. While the act often goes unreported or untreated, it is the most lethal form of domestic violence short of homicide. This is why the Placer County District Attorney's Office created the Stangulation Awareness Resource Portal (SARP) to start the conversation in Placer County in the hopes of increased education and policy improvements at a local and state level.
the problem
According to the Training Institute on Strangulation:
- A woman who has suffered a non-fatal strangulation incident with their intimate partner is 750% more likely to be killed by the same perpetrator…with a gun.
- Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual violence; unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes.
- Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control as the batterer demonstrates their command over the victim’s next breath.
- It takes 4.4 Pounds of Force to Compress Jugular Vein
- It takes 11 Pounds of Force to Compress the Carotid Artery
- It takes 33 Pounds of Force to Compress the Trachea
- It takes 18-66 Pounds of Force to Compress the Vertebral Arteries
- **80-100 Pounds of Force = Average Adult Male Firm Handshake
what is strangulation?
According to the Training Institute on Strangulation:
Strangulation is external pressure applied to the neck, by any means, that obstructs blood flow and/ or airflow resulting in asphyxia. Strangulation is intentional external force applied to the victim’s neck with the perpetrator’s hands, arms, legs, pillow, or a ligature.
at are the medical affects of strangulation?
- Traumat
ic brain injury
- Psychological injury
- PTSD
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Memory problems
- Amnesia
- Delayed death
WHAT is placer county doing?
In conjunction with local local law enforcement agencies, the Placer County SART program is also able to perform strangulation exams.
- Continued education programs for law enforcement and local stakeholders.
- Pushing for policies that allows the county to affectively address the issue.
- Depending upon case factors, the Placer County District Attorney's Office may file felony domestic violence charges for strangulation.
examples
- Local teenager and beloved community member Justine Vanderschoot was strangled by Daniel Bezemer before he took her life.
- Gabby Petito, the case that gripped the nation in 2021, was killed by strangulation.
educational hub
[VIDEO] Understanding the Impact & Risk of Strangulation
[VIDEO] Strangulation can leave long-lasting injuries
[VIDEO] What Law Enforcement Needs to Know about Strangulation
[VIDEO] What Every Advocate Needs to Know About Strangulation
[VIDEO] Medical examination: What You Need to Know About Strangulation
>>[TRAINING] Free online investigating strangulation course<<
The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention
The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention was created as a result of the tragic deaths of two San Diego teenagers who died as a result of domestic violence.
Both teenagers reported being “choked” before they were murdered but neither case was prosecuted due to the lack of physical evidence and victim participation. The deaths caused the San Diego City Attorney’s Office to re-evaluate their handling of “choking” cases and conduct a study of 300 cases involving pressure to the neck and/or difficulty breathing.
The findings of the San Diego Study were ultimately published in six articles in the Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2001. Learn more
Resources
Family Justice Center
Strangulation Media Kit
OCDA Domestic Violence Fatality Review
Montana Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission
National Library of Medicine study on strangulation
**It is important to understand that you do NOT need to have any visible injuries to kill someone from strangulation, if fact, most strangulation survivors will not have any external visible marks**
©️The Placer County District Attorney's Office gratefully acknowledges Alliance for HOPE International and the Institute on Strangulation for allowing us to reproduce, in part or in whole, their online content.
IN THE NEWS
The Guardian: Gabby Petito died of strangulation. Far too many other women have, too
The Advocate: Her boyfriend strangled her in front of her kids. Police are on alert for stories like hers.
KATU News: Man released on bail, then accused in killing of woman by strangulation
Daily Mail: Man who throttled a woman after meeting on Tinder becomes the first to be jailed under non-fatal strangulation law
Fox 5: Man arrested in Riverdale woman's strangulation death
WFMJ News: Mercer County man convicted of strangulation death of wife
POLICY UPDATES
New CA law to provide free forensic examinations for domestic violence victims