Strangulation – a step towards murder
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – In south-central Kentucky, multiple strangulation charges have started to pop up since a new law went into effect, but the increased number of strangulations over the last few days has been alarming.
Since last Thursday, at least three individuals have been charged with strangulation.
Barren River Area Safe Space executive director tori Henninger says a victim is far more likely to become a victim of domestic murder if their attacker is strangling them.
For that reason, strangulation recently became its own charge in Kentucky, and that charge is a felony.
Tori Henninger, the executive director of the Barren River Area Safe Space, says strangulation is a warning sign that someone is in extreme danger.
“When a person is willing to strangle another person, they are willing to kill that person,” said Henninger.
According to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Bowling Green Police Department, there have been a total of 38 strangulation charges in the county since the law was signed by the governor on March 26th of 2019.
“I have not been able to wear a turtleneck since 1997 because when I do put one on, I can still feel his hand around my neck,” said Connie, a strangulation survivor.
“Being strangled as an act of abuse is a sign of force to say, ‘I have so much power and control over you that I could kill you,’” said Henninger.
If you or someone you know needs help, Barren River Area Safe Space is open 24/7 and the crisis line number is (270) 843-1183.
