City’s Task Force Debuts New Strangulation Protocol

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention has released a Coordinated Community Response to Strangulation Protocol, developed by its Strangulation Task Force. This protocol details our community's key stakeholders' response to non-fatal strangulation in intimate partner violence cases. It also memorializes the collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary partners, establishes a unified framework for response and training, and serves as a resource to enhance public understanding and support for survivors.

Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of violence and a strong predictor of future homicide. Research shows that victims of non-fatal strangulation are 750% more likely to be killed by their partner in the future. Despite the severity, strangulation often leaves few visible signs, making it difficult to detect and respond to without coordinated awareness, training and response procedures.

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.

The Strangulation Task Force includes key partners from:

• 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)
• Family Peace Center

The protocol details coordinated response procedures foremergency telecommunicators, EMTs, emergency room staff, law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and pediatric specialists, ensuring that every survivor receives consistent, evidence-based care and support from the moment of crisis through investigation and recovery. It also includes links to each partner's webpage, online training, and other resources.

Strangulation Protocol link