Abstract
Background
Nonfatal strangulation has been identified as a common occurrence in intimate partner
violence and can be associated with significant injuries and, at times, increased
mortality.
Objective
This article describes a county interagency nonfatal strangulation initiative that
efficiently disseminated an educational program for police, emergency medical services,
emergency department staff, forensic nursing teams, and prosecuting attorneys, along
with a forensic nurse response program. Prior to initiation of this program, no educational
programs existed and no forensic examinations were being offered to victims of nonfatal
strangulation.
Methods
Early cooperation between agencies was crucial, particularly between the two major
health care systems in the county. A standardized forensic evaluation tool was developed,
along with nonfatal strangulation courses. Education of forensic nurses together with
prosecutors was unique and training of police, emergency medical services, and emergency
department staff was coordinated. Forensic nurses traveled to meet victims for standardized
examinations at 11 emergency departments. Creation of a secure Research Electronic
Data Capture database captured forensic examination information and a strangulation
task force provided means to assess the goals.
Results
This initiative educated > 80% of the county’s first responders and 79% of emergency
department staff within 3 months. During the first year of the program, 259 forensic
nurse examinations for nonfatal strangulation were recorded. Police reported a total
of 367 arrests for felony assault by strangulation.
Conclusions
Professionals providing legal and medical care to victims of nonfatal strangulation
can be educated and forensic nurse examinations can be implemented successfully in
an expeditious period of time with a county collaborative program approach.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 29, 2022
Accepted:
April 23,
2022
Received in revised form:
March 26,
2022
Received:
November 10,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
