Strangulation Response Protocol
For victims of strangulation who survive, the physiological and psychological effects – strokes, seizures, post-traumatic stress disorder, memory loss and so many more – are profound and can last a lifetime. The Model Collaborative Non-Fatal Strangulation Response Protocol for Indiana Jurisdictions is designed to guide local and regional teams of response organizations – advocates, law enforcement, medical professionals and prosecutors – in understanding the critical risks associated with strangulation and the tools available to them to appropriately address the crime.
Although dangerous and potentially lethal, strangulation is too often not recognized and not taken as seriously as it should be due to the act rarely leaving visible injury to the survivor. Because of this, it is imperative that our advocates, first responders, and criminal justice system are not only aware of the signs and symptoms of strangulation but are also educated about how to best utilize the tools they have to both help survivors receive the care and support they need and hold perpetrators of strangulation accountable for their violence.
The Model Collaborative Non-Fatal Strangulation Response Protocol is dedicated to the countless survivors of strangulation whose lives will be improved and perhaps even saved because of their own courage and the collaborative efforts of the agencies who embrace and adopt the protocol.
*References and resources are divided by profession
- Strangulation Intervention and Prevention e-training video (Law Enforcement / Advocates) – Click here
- EMS & Paramedic Response to Strangulation e-training video – Click here
- What Attorneys Need to Know About Strangulation e-training video – Click here
- Danger Assessment Training – Click here
- Protective Order Efiling Portal – Click here
- Crime Victim Compensation Fund – Click here
- IC 35-42-2-9 Strangulation
- IC 31-33-5 Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect
- IC 12-10-3-9 Reporting Abuse of Endangered Adults
- IC 35-47-7-1 Reporting Weapon-Inflicted Injuries
- IC 35 40-5 Rights of Crime Victims
- Intl Association of Chiefs of Police Model Policy on Strangulation
- IACP Strangulation Response Checklist
- Dispatchers
- Alliance for Hope Strangulation Infographic
- Alliance for Hope Strangulation Assessment Card
- Response & Investigation
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police DV Officer Information Sheet
- San Diego Co Strangulation Supplemental Report Form
- San Diego Co Strangulation Documentation Form
- Lancaster Strangulation Supplemental Report
- Alliance for Hope International Strangulation / Suffocation Investigative Worksheet
- Alliance for Hope Strangulation Assessment Card
- Indiana Victims’ Rights Summary
- ICADV / Alliance for Hope Strangulation Resource Brochure
- ICADV / Alliance for Hope Strangulation Resource Brochure
- Indiana Victims’ Rights Summary
- Alliance for Hope Safety Planning for Strangulation Brochure
- Release of Information Guidance
- Release of Information
- Signs & Symptoms of Strangulation Quick Reference
- 2023 Medical Forensic Exam Providers List
- IC 31-33-5 Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect
- IC 12-10-3-9 Reporting Abuse of Endangered Adults
- IC 35-47-7-1 Reporting Weapon-Inflicted Injuries
- Intl Association of Forensic Nurses Non-Fatal Strangulation Documentation Toolkit
- Recommendations for Medical/radiological Evaluation of Non-Fatal Strangulation – Adult
- Trial Visual Aide – Esperanza
- Trial Visual Aide – Vital Neck Structures
- Physiological Consequences of Strangulation
- Trauma-Informed Interviewing Techniques – Office on Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center
- Successful Trauma-Informed Interviewing – International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Trauma-Informed Interviewing for the Justice System – Battered Women’s Justice Project Recorded Webinar – https://www.bwjp.org/resource-center/resource-results/trauma-informed-victim-informed-interview-for-the-justice-system.html
The creation of the Strangulation Protocol was a team effort that started with a team of Marion County agencies – Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Centers for Hope, and the Julian Center – many years ago. It was moved forward by the Indiana State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. It most certainly would not be possible without the guidance and assistance of the Alliance for HOPE International. To all of you who have had a hand in this effort, our gratitude is unending.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE STRANGULATION PROTOCOL
Email cburton@icadvinc.org with questions.
*Appendices are updated to reflect current practices and data.