Senator Roth’s Measure Protecting Survivors of Strangulation Abuse Approved by Governor Brown

October 02, 2017

(Riverside, CA) -- Senator Richard D. Roth’s (D-Riverside) measure to protect domestic violence survivors of strangulation by updating the education first responders give to victims has been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.

Senator Roth said: “This is an important day for all survivors of strangulation violence.  Unfortunately, victims of strangulation are eight times more likely to later be victims of homicide than those who face other types of domestic violence. Despite vigorous efforts by law enforcement and community groups to get victims of domestic violence out of abusive relationships, most do not know how particularly dangerous strangulation is.

“Senate Bill 40 strengthens community education and data collection efforts on this devastating type of violence so that law enforcement can keep survivors of domestic violence safe while punishing their attackers.”

Sponsored by the Riverside County District Attorney, SB 40 augments the victims’ rights notice that law enforcement distributes at the scene of an incident to include information that strangulation may cause internal injuries and encourage the victim to seek medical attention. SB 40 also incorporates information about strangulation into existing domestic violence incident reports made at a call for assistance, aligning strangulation with the current practice for domestic violence involving a weapon.

“I commend Senator Roth for his continued focus on protecting victims of violent crime,” said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “In addition to ensuring that first responders provide victims of domestic violence with invaluable information regarding the potentially deadly effects of strangulation, SB 40 will also provide important data that can be used to help the courts determine the best sentencing options for domestic violence offenders.”

Senator Roth continued: “I am proud to have authored SB 40, and will continue standing up for survivors and our most vulnerable communities to keep them safe.”

The new law takes effect January 1, 2018.

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General