Poster #207 - The Effectiveness of a Strangulation/Suffocation Investigative Worksheet on Prosecution Outcomes in Puerto Rico

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

The current study is an evaluation of a pilot program to improve the response to intimate partner violence (IPV)-related strangulation in Puerto Rico. As part of this pilot program, a Strangulation/Suffocation Investigative Worksheet was formally incorporated into the Puerto Rico Department of Justice to be used by prosecutors across the 13 judicial jurisdictions when strangulation, suffocation or asphyxiation was identified during the investigation of a domestic violence complaint. Data was collected from legal outcomes of 296 IPV-related strangulation cases before (January 1st, 2016 – December 31st, 2021) and after (July 1st, 2022 – September 30th, 2024) the implementation of the investigative worksheet. This evaluation provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of the pilot program in facilitating prosecution of IPV-related strangulation cases in Puerto Rico. Results show that prosecutors are significantly more likely to file murder charges in cases where the investigative worksheet was used. Recommendations are discussed for future implementation of the investigative worksheet.

Authors

• Amy Reckdenwald, University of Central Florida

• Kelley Ortiz, University of Central Florida

• Elise Lorenzo, University of Central Florida