The Quebec prosecutor’s office (DPCP) and Montreal police (SPVM) are teaming up to address the issue of strangulation in cases of domestic violence. A pilot project has been announced that will focus on training officers and criminal investigation units in Montreal’s east end to better identify and respond to cases involving strangulation. The goal is to gather evidence more effectively in order to bring perpetrators to justice. It is believed that the current reported cases of intimate partner strangulation in Montreal are vastly underrepresented, with many cases going unreported or minimized. Studies have shown that strangulation is a strong predictor of homicide, making it a serious crime that requires intervention.
The Institute on Strangulation Prevention released data showing that individuals who have experienced non-fatal strangulation incidents with an intimate partner are 750% more likely to be killed by the same offender. Strangulation is known to be one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence, with unconsciousness occurring within seconds and death within minutes. The DPCP and SPVM’s initiative also aims to provide victims with more support from partner organizations like Crime Victims Assistance Centres, helping them understand the symptoms they may experience after such assaults. This project is based on similar initiatives in the U.S. and, if successful, may be expanded across Montreal and shared with other police forces.
Research has shown that strangulation is a key indicator of potential homicide in cases of domestic violence. Co-founder of the Institute on Strangulation Prevention, Gael Strack, emphasized that when a person is strangled by their partner, it signals a high risk of homicide. In Canada, laws regarding choking, suffocation, and strangulation were introduced to the Criminal Code in 2019 with the adoption of Bill C-75. The new legislation aimed to address the seriousness of these forms of violence and provide better protection for victims.
Statistics from Quebec indicate that a significant percentage of women in intimate relationships have experienced at least one act of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Women are more likely to experience repeated and severe acts of violence, including coercive control, which is part of the three forms of intimate partner violence: psychological, physical, and sexual. Data from Statistics Canada also shows that a concerning number of solved homicides involve victims killed by intimate partners, with a higher percentage among women compared to men. This highlights the importance of addressing issues related to domestic violence and providing support for victims.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or is in crisis, there are resources available for help. It is important to reach out for support, whether through emergency services like 911, victim services directories, or specific organizations like SOS Violence conjugale and Shield of Athena in Quebec. Educating the public about the dangers of strangulation in cases of domestic violence and providing assistance to victims is essential in addressing this serious issue. By working together with law enforcement and community organizations, there is hope for improved identification, response, and prevention of intimate partner violence, including cases involving strangulation.
