He more than choked her: Identifying, Examining, and documenting strangulation patients

Strack, Gael B.

Saturday, March 21, 2015: 11:25 AM-12:45 PM

Mount Vernon Square A (Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel)

Speakers:
Gael B. Strack, JD, National Family Justice Center Alliance
Casey G. Gwinn, JD, National Family Justice Center Alliance

Presentation Format:
Innovative/Promising Practice Program Report

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the lethality of near and non-fatal strangulation cases.
Identify the subtle signs and symptoms of a strangulation victim.
Improve the documentation and collection of evidence for near and non-fatal strangulation cases.

Description:
Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic and sexual violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim’s next breath - possibly leaving devastating psychological effects or a fatal outcome. Specialized experts in strangulation crimes will address the lethality of strangulation, how to identify, investigate and document strangulation assaults, and how to manage and treat such cases.