When a Loved One is Your Worst Enemy

July 13, 2011
Brian Kuebler

BALTIMORE - For domestic violence victims it often starts in the shadows, for one woman it literally started in the darkness of her boyfriend’s room.

"I couldn't get away from him. He ended up sitting on top of my abdomen. One arm he was using to hold my hands down on my chest or however he could, and the other hand he was strangulating me."

It was at that point, a hand around her neck, when she had that very clear and mortal thought; confronting the frightening and sobering reality that her life may end literally at the hand of a loved one.

More New Laws to Become Effective July 1

June 17, 2011
By Aaron LeClair

While the 60th Wyoming Legislature convened in March, state lawmakers had passed numerous bills and amendments that become laws on July 1.

The legislation includes Senate File 132, which makes strangulation a felony:

Bill Aimed At Reducing Domestic Violence Homicides Advances

June 3, 2011
By Kenny Goldberg

SAN DIEGO — The State Senate has unanimously approved a bill by San Diego Democrat Christine Kehoe designed to reduce domestic-violence homicides. The measure would clarify the dangers posed by strangulation.

Under the bill, strangulation would be legally classified as a traumatic condition. That would subject people who strangle their partner to additional jail time.

Tara Shabazz is executive director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. She said those who choke their partners need to be severely penalized.

Bill OK'd to Make Strangling, Suffocation a Felony in Tennessee

May 27, 2011
By Kristi L. Nelson
Knoxville News Sentinel

Posted Both the state House and Senate unanimously passed HB375/SB476, which expanded the definition of "aggravated assault" to include attempting to injure another person by strangulation or "blocking the nose and mouth" to impede breathing. Click here to read more.