Victims of Attempted Strangulation Can Be Examined More Quickly Starting September 15. A New Pilot Focuses on More Accurately Determining Internal Injuries. This can help in the Faster Recognition and proof of serious Domestic Violence.
The Pilot is a collaboration between the public prosecution service (OM), The Police, and the National Research and Expertise Bureau FMO (Loef). The Trial Begins in The Central Netherlands Region and then expands to East Netherlands and East Brabant. Anyally, The System Should Be Available Nationally.
Strangulation is A Difficult Form of Violence to Investigate. “Or Little Can Be Seen on the Outside, While There May Be Internal Damage. That Injury Disappes Quickly, So We Must Act Quickly,” Says National Public Prosecutor Mirjam Warnaar.
From Monday, loef can carry out additional forensic investigations within 48 hours of a report. This Investigation Looks for Retinal Hemorrhagens or Swelling in the Neck.
That evidence can contribute to determining the seriousness of the case. This can then influence the amount of the sentence. The Pilot is financial supported by the ministry of justice and security.
‘Attempted Strangulations Red Flag for Femicide’
Attempted Strangulations are an Important Indication of Potentialy Escalating Violence and Femicide, Says Judith van Schoonderwoerd den Bezemer, National Public Prosecutor for Domestic Violence and Sexual Offenses.
“Dishes of Women Die Every Year From (partner) Violence. Many More Women Experience Abuse and Intimate Terror. Attempted Strangulations are one of the Most Important Red Flags for Further Escalation and Sometimes Even Femicestic.
Last year, The Public Prosecution Service Received 24 Cases of Murder or Manslaughter in which a Woman was the Victim. In Addition, The Judiciary Received 49 Cases of Attempts to Do So.