“It’s not always as simple as one person having power and control over another with the aggressor only using physical force.  Sometimes it is one person trying to exert power and control over the other with force and the other is using force to fight back. 

- Dr. Ellen Pence (1948-July 6, 2012) 

With this in mind, it becomes challenging for Law Enforcement to arrive on a scene and find both parties with injuries and their own versions of what took place. Law Enforcement is then asked to identify a Dominant Aggressor. 

Strangulation impacts all professionals working on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases, in particular. Today, we know unequivocally that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence. Unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes.

Did you know that at least 50% of the time strangled victims will have no visible injuries from being strangled while their assailants will likely have visible injuries from victims trying to defend themselves up to 65% of the time? One strangulation study found 13 out of 20 suspects (stranglers) had injuries upon examination, including scratch marks to their face and hands. (Harm, 1981).

During this 90 minute webinar, Casey Gwinn, Michelle Morgan, and Joyce Bilyeu will discuss lessons learned, best practices, new research, and resources available for family violence and sexual assault professionals. This webinar is designed through case studies to provide ideas on how to identify the Dominant Aggressor. The unique challenges of non-fatal strangulation assaults that may leave only minor to no visible injuries are discussed along with factors to be considered.

Identifying the true dominant aggressor is never an easy task in any domestic violence case. Professionals cannot rely on visible injuries alone. There are at least 10 important factors to consider – join us to find out more. This webinar will help professionals identify the dominant aggressor not only in domestic violence cases but also non-fatal strangulation cases in particular.