Rockford Sun

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention has introduced a new Coordinated Community Response to Strangulation Protocol. This initiative, created by the office's Strangulation Task Force, aims to improve how key community stakeholders respond to non-fatal strangulation incidents in intimate partner violence cases.

The protocol outlines a unified approach for multiple agencies and partners, including Rockford Police, Rockford Fire, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, MERIT (Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team), and the Family Peace Center. The document provides procedures for emergency telecommunicators, EMTs, emergency room staff, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, advocates, and pediatric specialists. Its goal is to ensure that survivors receive consistent care from the moment of crisis through investigation and recovery.

According to research cited by the task force, victims of non-fatal strangulation are at much greater risk—specifically 750% more likely—to be killed by their partner in the future. Strangulation is described as one of the most lethal forms of violence; however, it often leaves few visible signs. This makes detection challenging without coordinated training and awareness among responders.

"The protocol represents our community’s collective commitment to recognizing the signs of strangulation, responding with urgency, and ensuring survivors receive trauma-informed care, medical attention and legal support," according to a statement from those involved in its development.

The new guidelines also serve as a resource for public education on this issue. The protocol includes links to each participating agency's webpage as well as online training materials and additional resources for professionals who may encounter these situations.