Nonlethal strangulation of intimate partners has substantial direct health effects and is associated with an increased risk of later lethal violence by a partner or ex-intimate partner but can be difficult to prosecute under felony assault statutes. After review of state laws regarding assault, the authors identified 10 states with specific legislation related to strangulation as of March 2009 The authors examined the characteristics of these laws. They recommend that all states develop policies to improve prosecution of strangulation, include strangulation in their criminal codes, and use language that includes all potential victims.
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