Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler joins the Legal Advisory Committee for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention
Congratulations to Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler on joining the Legal Advisory Committee for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. Ms. Engler works hard each day to protect victims of domestic violence and raise awareness of the dangers of strangulation.
Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault: Mere seconds can result in unconsciousness, and minutes leading to death. In the past, the severity of strangulation was often overlooked due to the apparent lack of external physical injuries. Greater study revealed the severe and lasting impacts of constricting blood and air flow in the neck.
Domestic violence safety advocates, medical professionals, legislators, and prosecutors have all recognized the serious nature of this offense and have taken great strides to help protect victims. In 2020, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation defining strangulation as 1st Degree Assault, a felony that can carry up to 25 years incarceration.
Statistics release by the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention highlight that victims are 750% more likely to be murdered by someone who had previously strangled them.
ABOUT THE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON STRANGULATION PREVENTION (https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/about-us/)
The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention (Institute) is a program of Alliance for HOPE International. The Institute was launched with support from the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women in 2011 in effort to bring awareness and education about the lethality and long-term consequences of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation assaults to victims of across the lifespan. The Institute seeks to prevent IPV homicides through awareness, education and training; develop new tools and resources; support professionals in the field; identify and promote best practices; recruit and develop experts and specialist; enhance the health and safety of victims; and improve offender accountability. The Institute has three working committees: Medical, Legal and Advocacy.
Brett Engler
Assistant State’s Attorney