Safe+Sound Somerset Host Training For Police On Strangulation

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — This past Wednesday, Safe+Sound Somerset hosted a training for New Jersey State Troopers seeking information and resources on non-fatal strangulation in domestic and sexual violence.

The training, Foundations of Forensic Nursing Practices and Non-Fatal Strangulation with Co-occurrences of Domestic and Sexual Violence and their Resulting Trauma, was attended by 17 State Troopers and a NJSP Victims Service Unit representative.

This training was organized with the assistance of State Trooper, Det. Sgt. First Class Jeffrey Baer, of the NJ State Police Meadowlands Station, formerly of Somerville Station.

Troopers from Somerset, Passaic, Bergen, Hudson, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties participated in this state-wide training.

The training is part of ongoing partnerships between Safe+Sound Somerset and local, county and state law enforcement seeking to improve outcomes for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Through regular meetings and special trainings, Safe+Sound Somerset works with police officers and troopers to ensure that law enforcement and victim advocates have access to the latest information and education to serve survivors with compassion and realize the legal outcomes as decided upon by each survivor.

The primary goal of the partnership being that survivors are not to be retraumatized by seeking services.

Accordingly, response team partners – including Safe+Sound Somerset advocates, Forensic Nurse
Examiners and Law Enforcement – provide choices to survivors regarding which trauma-informed medical, forensic examination, and investigative assistance they pursue after a domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or strangulation incident.

Safe+Sound Somerset’s Director of Advocacy and Crisis Response, Sue Rivera, and Manager of Crisis Response, Jenny DePaul provided an overview of the organization’s services, including its Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Non-fatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Teams.

They also spoke about the impact of violence, such as trauma and its long-term physical and emotional effects on survivors.

Rivera and DePaul encouraged the troopers to become familiar with the DV and SV agencies
and resources in their counties to be able to make appropriate referrals and ensure the best outcomes for survivors.

Melissa Inzitari, RN, FNE-CSA, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Forensic Nurse Examiner Coordinator of the Somerset County Prosecutors Office provided an overview of the Non-fatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Team including the physical and long-term impacts of strangulation on the victim, as well as sexual assault procedures and the importance of the forensics exam.

Nicole McGrath, Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor, Legal Advisor to Sex Crimes and Computer, Crimes Units, reviewed current trends in non-fatal strangulations and sexual violence in NJ and answered questions from the troopers. Natacha Despinos Peavey, Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor, Sex Crimes and Computer Crimes Unit, provided a case review of a strangulation trial including what worked and the challenges of the court process in seeking to convict the harm doer.

Safe+Sound Somerset is the only organization in Somerset County providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, dating, and sexual violence, and their families. Our compassionate, evidence-based programs support and empower survivors to create lives free from abuse. Established in 1978, Safe+Sound has continually expanded, offering a comprehensive range of services to help survivors achieve safety, hope and healing.

For help or to request additional information about services, call, or text our 24/7 confidential hotline at 866-685-1122. Services are provided free of charge, in a confidential and culturally sensitive environment.

— Submitted by Safe+Sound Somerset