About the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention

Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. When domestic violence perpetrators choke (strangle) their victims, not only is this felonious assault, but it may be an attempted homicide.

Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim’s next breath: it may have devastating psychological effects or a potentially fatal outcome.

The goals of the Institute are to:

• Enhance the knowledge and understanding of professionals working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault who are strangled
• Improve policy and practice among the legal, medical, and advocacy communities
• Maximize capacity and expertise
• Increase offender accountability and ultimately enhance victim safety.