“The data behind the dangers of strangulation is incredibly alarming,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “Strangulation is a lethal form of abuse that causes extreme physical and emotional trauma to the victim.  We must increase public awareness about this deadly issue to reduce the risk to future victims. Our office has created the Strangulation Awareness Resource Portal to educate and engage our community, our survivor advocates, public officials, and other stakeholders about the risks of strangulation and have conversations at a policy level to prevent future victims.” 

According to the Training Institute on Strangulation, victims of non-fatal strangulation incidents from intimate partners are 750% more likely to be killed by the same perpetrator. Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic and sexual violence, as unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes.  

Sadly, we have seen tragic strangulation homicides in our own community as well as nationwide.  Local teenager and beloved community member Justine Vanderschoot was strangled by then-boyfriend, Daniel Bezemer. Gabby Petito, the case that gripped the nation in 2021, was killed by strangulation. 

In conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, the Placer County Sexual Assault Response Team is able to perform strangulation exams. While the facts of each case are always unique, strangulation cases often result in the filing of felony domestic charges. 

The Strangulation Awareness Resource Portal (SARP) provides a hub of resources to educate the community, which include videos, trainings, and links to supportive organizations.  

The SARP launch coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness month, a month dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence with information, resources and support.  

Access SARP here and learn more about the Placer County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence team here.