Changes in Police Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence-related Strangulation Files following Training

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Strangulation is one of the highest-risk forms of intimate partner violence (IPV), increasing risk of lethality by more than 700% (Glass et al., 2008). Strangulation also increases risk for brain injury, stroke, miscarriage and death due to the resulting internal injuries (Bichard et al., 2022; Clarot et al., 2005; De Boos, 2019; Faugno et al., 2013; Messing et al., 2018; Shields et al., 2010) However, few survivors show visible injuries (Strack et al., 2001), leading to missed identification and intervention by frontline responders, such as police officers (e.g., Garza et al., 2021; Pritchard et al., 2018). The current study compared two samples of frontline police officers in Canada who were surveyed regarding their perceptions and understanding of IPV-related strangulation. One sample was surveyed prior to the introduction of a new training curriculum that included a module on strangulation, while the other sample was surveyed approximately one year after this training was introduced. Overall, the results suggested that post-training, police officers exhibited improved understanding about the significance of IPV-related strangulation as a risk factor for revictimization and were more aware of strangulation indicators that suggest the need for a medical intervention.

Authors

• Kiran Atwal, University of the Fraser Valley

• Amneet Sran, University of the Fraser Valley

• Amanda V. McCormick, University of the Fraser Valley

• Irwin M. Cohen, University of the Fraser Valley