Strangulation: A Hidden Danger

Course Description: 

This 4 hour course focuses on strangulation and how strangulation can be the precursor of a possible homicide. The attendees will become familiar with signs, symptoms, and terminologies of strangulation and how to use lethality assessments to help victims understand the lethal situation they might be facing with a strangler. The dangers of minimization during a strangulation investigation with an emphasis on the crime scene and interview. A trauma informed approach to interviewing victims will also be introduced with an understanding of trauma and the brain. 

Core Competencies:

• Participants providing service to domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims will recognize and understand strangulation.
• Participants will gain knowledge on effective approaches and interview skills to enhance response, investigations and prosecutions.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the correlation between strangulation and homicide.
• Identify signs, symptoms and terminologies of strangulation.
• Understand how to use the lethality assessment to assist victims possibly at risk.
• Understand the danger of minimizing a strangulation investigation.
• Understand what the trauma of strangulation does to the brain.

Who Should Attend: 

• Law Enforcement Officers - regardless of rank or assignment 
• Prosecutors 
• Victim Advocates 
• Forensic Lab Personnel 

Methods: 

• Lecture Scenario Course 

Course Requirements: 

• 100% Attendance