News Flash

MCAO Latest News

Posted on: June 8, 2012

New Strategies Unveiled in Fight Against Domestic Violence Strangulations

PHOENIX, AZ (June 8, 2012) – A new approach to investigating cases of alleged strangulation in Maricopa County promises to greatly improve the ability to hold perpetrators accountable, according to the results of a pilot program released today. Developed by a partnership of local law enforcement agencies, Scottsdale Healthcare and the County Attorney’s Office, the program establishes more reliable methods of obtaining the necessary corroborating medical documentation and evidence that is frequently difficult to obtain in strangulation incidents. In the recently completed pilot study, the number of submitted cases that were ultimately prosecuted jumped from 14% to more than 60%, thanks to the use of new tools and techniques for investigating strangulation allegations.

“Our partnership with police agencies and Scottsdale Healthcare has demonstrated an effective model for providing medical-forensic exams that includes documenting and gathering the independent forensic evidence we need to effectively prove and prosecute allegations of strangulation,” remarked Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “I am convinced that we will see great strides in our ability to hold stranglers accountable for an offense that all too often is a precursor to more serious violence,” he added.

Studies show as many as half of all female domestic violence victims experience strangulation in their lifetimes, making them seven times more likely to become homicide victims. One-quarter of all females murdered by men are killed by strangulation or smothering. Yet despite being a strong predictor of future violence, strangulation allegations are frequently difficult to prove due to the lack of visible corroborating evidence, the reluctance of some victims to testify, and the “he said – she said” nature of many domestic disputes.

The Domestic Violence Strangulation Project was launched in December, 2011 by the County Attorney’s Office, Scottsdale Healthcare, and the Glendale and Chandler Police departments to address these challenges with a multi-disciplinary team response.

Under an agreement expected to soon roll out County-wide, police and first responders will transport domestic violence victims to hospitals and family advocacy centers throughout Maricopa County where Forensic Nurse Examiners from Scottsdale Healthcare will respond 24/7 to perform specialized medical-forensic examinations and collect evidence including advanced photographic documentation, DNA and other physical evidence. Nurse Examiners will also provide fact and expert witness testimony in court, allowing certain cases to proceed even if the victim is unwilling or unable to testify. The agreement also calls for law enforcement officers to receive training on how to recognize and respond to strangulation incidents.

Jerry Zabokrtsky, Director of Scottsdale Healthcare (SHC) Forensic Nurses related; “SHC Forensic Nurses are compassionate and caring Registered Nurses who provide world-class patient care first and foremost. They also have special knowledge and training in caring for this specialized population, including injury identification and documentation, along with DNA collection. Additionally, they are all well versed in court testimony and the legal system. As professional nurses their medical testimony can be instrumental in the outcome of many cases.”

“Being able to collaborate with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies by performing domestic violence and strangulation exams is an honor and a privilege and will enhance the care given to victims of domestic violence and serve the community in a greater capacity,” remarked Scottsdale Healthcare Forensic Nurse Examiner Erin Bertino. “As a forensic nurse examiner, I am on the front lines of educating people about the dangers of strangulation and take this role very seriously.”

A review of cases involving allegations of strangulation submitted to the County Attorney’s Office over a six month period in 2011 revealed that 90% were turned down for prosecution due to lack of corroboration. By contrast, more than 60% of submittals were filed for prosecution during the recently completed three month pilot program using written reports, photographs and other evidence collected by Scottsdale Healthcare’s Forensic Nurse Examiners.

Domestic violence incidents account for the single largest category of service calls to police agencies. In Maricopa County last year, more than 1,500 domestic violence calls for police service involved allegations of strangulation. Projections based on the pilot study indicate prosecutors could file more than 500 additional strangulation cases once the new program is implemented throughout Maricopa County.

###

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in MCAO Latest News

Photo of a baby tiger.

Defendant Selling Wild Tiger Cub Indicted

Posted on: February 28, 2023
MCAO Seal

Thank You for Your Service

Posted on: February 1, 2023
MCAO Seal

No Charges for Officer Conduct

Posted on: January 30, 2023
Photos of MCAO employees

A Year in Review

Posted on: December 20, 2022
MCAO Seal

MCAO Wins Big at the 2022 APAAC Awards

Posted on: August 29, 2022
Website Graphics (1)

Help Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts

Posted on: August 22, 2022
A person reaching for a pair of car keys after they've been drinking.

Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July

Posted on: June 28, 2022
Tori posing in front of a background and flags

K-9 Victim Advocate Tori is Retiring!

Posted on: April 26, 2022

MCAO’s Citizens Academy Is Back!

Posted on: March 28, 2022
MCAO Seal

Meet our New Community Affairs Coordinator

Posted on: February 21, 2022
Teens

Stay Aware of Teen Dating Violence

Posted on: February 14, 2022
New employee meeting other employees at new job

Start the Year with a New Career

Posted on: January 19, 2022
MCAO Seal

MCAO Year in Review

Posted on: December 21, 2021
An image of caution tape and police sirens

Year in Review: 2021 Crime Trends

Posted on: December 14, 2021
A family gathering around their holiday decorations

Holiday Home and Travel Safety

Posted on: December 6, 2021
Woman shopping online for holiday gifts

Get Gifts, Not Scams this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 22, 2021
Phone Scams

How to Avoid Scams Calls

Posted on: November 15, 2021
Photo of soldier holding an American flag

Honoring All Who Serve on Veterans Day

Posted on: November 10, 2021
Photo of the twin towers

20th Anniversary of September 11th

Posted on: September 10, 2021
Image of girl with the text

Talk to Teens About Substance Abuse

Posted on: August 23, 2021
A man stealing a wallet out of someone's backpack

Practice Personal Safety in Layers

Posted on: August 16, 2021
Two students reading over documents

Internship Opportunities at MCAO

Posted on: July 29, 2021
Someone looking into a parked vehicle

Keep Your Vehicle Safe this Summer

Posted on: July 5, 2021
Utility Scams

Summer Safety Series: Utility Scams

Posted on: June 21, 2021
Three Children Holding Hands

National Missing Children's Day

Posted on: May 24, 2021
Student wearing graduation cap and gown

A Career in Public Service

Posted on: May 4, 2021
Aisha Robertson, Legal Support Assistant, MCAO Victim Services Division

Employee Spotlight: Aisha Robertson

Posted on: April 26, 2021
Victim Advocates

The Importance of Victims’ Rights

Posted on: April 22, 2021
Lady Justice

Understanding Victims’ Rights

Posted on: April 19, 2021
Protect Your Vehicle From Theft

Spring Break Tips: Prevent Car Theft

Posted on: March 15, 2021
Report Graffiti

Report Graffiti in Your Community

Posted on: February 22, 2021
Protect Your Identity

Have You Checked Your Credit Report?

Posted on: March 29, 2021
Online Dating

Swipe Safe with These Online Dating Tips

Posted on: February 8, 2021
Woman Cleaning Counter

Labor Trafficking amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on: January 25, 2021
MCAO Building

A Year in Review at MCAO

Posted on: December 23, 2020
Crime Scene Tape

2020 Snapshot: Crime Across the Valley

Posted on: December 7, 2020
Man placing Credit Card info into Laptop

Shop Safely Online this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 30, 2020
Female domestic violence victim packing suitcase with clothing

Make a Safety Plan to Get Out

Posted on: October 19, 2020
Teen Girl Texting

Remind Teens to Think Before They Send

Posted on: September 28, 2020
County Attorney Allister Adel

Body-Worn Camera Request

Posted on: September 23, 2020
Online Bully

Online Bullying During COVID

Posted on: September 21, 2020
Animal Cruelty

Report Animal Abuse to Law Enforcement

Posted on: September 14, 2020
Labor Day DUI Reminder

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend Safely

Posted on: September 3, 2020
Pills on table

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on: August 31, 2020
Contact-Tracing

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams

Posted on: July 23, 2020
Two Girls on Laptops

What are the risks of livestreaming?

Posted on: July 13, 2020
Prosecutor

What is a Prosecutor?

Posted on: June 25, 2020
Man Vaping

Vaping Warning Signs for Parents

Posted on: June 18, 2020
Opioids

Help Prevent Opioid Abuse at Home

Posted on: June 16, 2020
Sunset Over Canal and Homes

Keep Your Home Safe this Summer

Posted on: June 4, 2020
Looking through a car windshield at night. The lights are blurred.

Don’t Graduate into a DUI

Posted on: May 19, 2020
Happy Mothers Day

Honoring MCAO Moms

Posted on: May 8, 2020
COVID-19 Stimulus Check Scams

Stimulus Check Scams

Posted on: May 7, 2020
National Law Day 2020

It’s National Law Day

Posted on: May 1, 2020
Angela Andrews

Collaboration is Key

Posted on: April 30, 2020
Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Posted on: April 24, 2020
Heather Kirka

Charging Ahead and Working Together

Posted on: April 23, 2020
Census form on flag

We All Benefit When We Respond

Posted on: April 16, 2020
Brittany Hogard

Keeping the Wheels of Justice Rolling

Posted on: April 15, 2020
Person typing on computer keyboard

Be a Smart Online User

Posted on: April 13, 2020
Avoid Coronavirus Scams

COVID-19 Scam Awareness

Posted on: March 30, 2020

Community Outreach Highlights

Posted on: March 1, 2020
Allister with Female Staff

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Posted on: March 1, 2020
2020 Census Advertisement - Shape your Future, Start Here

YOU Count: Fill Out the Census Today

Posted on: March 1, 2020

Update On Petersen Investigation

Posted on: December 11, 2019

MCAO Honors Our Veterans

Posted on: November 8, 2019

Dion Earl Found Guilty on All Charges

Posted on: August 22, 2019

MCAO Launches Community Grants Webpage

Posted on: August 12, 2016

Update on Green Acre Dog Boarding Deaths

Posted on: September 22, 2014

National Geographic - Taboo

Posted on: August 31, 2012