In a bid to intensify the fight against domestic violence within its jurisdiction, the Henderson Police Department has unveiled a novel initiative aimed at enhancing the support system for victims of strangulation, an often overlooked yet lethal facet of domestic altercations, as reported by City of Henderson.
As officers frequently represent the first point of contact in domestic violence incidents, the Department is bolstering their capability with the introduction of Strangulation Resource Kits in every patrol car, and with October being Domestic Violence Awareness month the timing of this provision underscores the Department's commitment to addressing the pernicious effects of strangulation, which can be inceptively insidious as it doesn't always leave marks despite its potential to inflict grave internal injuries or even death, as reported by the City of Henderson.
Strangulation posits a unique danger in that the lack of visible signs belies the serious threat it poses; oxygen deprivation can swiftly result in unconsciousness or profound brain damage, and the applied pressure on the neck may cause blood vessels to rupture—creating health complications that could be fatal immediately or in due course as the Henderson Police aptly notes, as reported by the City of Henderson.
In light of the security and medical implications, these kits not only play a role in providing immediate support to victims, but they also contribute materially in identifying non-visible internal injuries, thus playing a critical role in ensuring that victims of undisclosed violence receive crucial medical intervention when it most counts; the initiative is an acknowledgment of the intimidating prognosis for survivors of strangulation seen as a predictor of escalated future violence against them.
The department's action is fostered by materials originating from the Strangulation Training Institute and was further implemented with support from the Alliance for HOPE International, and in gratitude, the Henderson Police notes their indebtedness to the Institute for the resources it has been allowed to employ, resources which are moreover accessible in both English and Spanish, ensuring a wider reach to the community they serve.
For individuals entrenched in the silence that so often accompanies domestic violence, the Department offers a call to action by reiterating the availability of help: through their Victim/Witness Advocate program at 702-267-4727 and in emergencies, the imperative 911.
