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For Law Enforcement/First Responders

RESOURCES and TRAINING

First Responders are essential to the on-scene identification of strangulation when at the scene of a domestic violence. They are there to ascertain what has occurred and to respond appropriately. In cases where strangulation is present, law enforcement and EMS/Fire are able to ask the right questions and assess the victim for injuries or potential consequences from the assault. Law enforcement and medical intervention can make all the difference to victims of this dangerous assault.

 

It is vital that first responders be sufficiently trained on strangulation so they can recognize/document what they see and what the victim tells them about the assault and how they feel. 

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Understanding strangulation kits is important. This knowledge will help law enforcement talk with a victim about accessing the medical exam and assist them in that process. Most victims will refuse an ambulance because they don't understand the potential repercussions of the assault and are worried about the potential cost involved. First responders can explain the health dangers associated with strangulation and impress upon the survivor the need for medical intervention. When first responders express their concern for the victim's health, the survivor is more likely to go to the hospital for the strangulation exam.

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SKITs are currently available in 11 counties and 29 facilities. If you are working a strangulation case and have any issues accessing a SKIT for a victim, this page has contact information to exam providers. We never want a victim to miss out on an exam for any reason, so if you run into any issues, feel free to contact Providence Health Systems (if it is one of their facilities) , or Rapid Save Investigations (RSI) for other facilities (listed below). You will find a list of SKIT facilities on the "SKIT Facilities" page or click on "List of SKIT Facilities" link under "Materials".

Best practice for Law Enforcement:
  • Police accompany the victim to the hospital to ensure that they are able to receive a SKIT exam.

  • If the victim goes to the ER on their own, police can call ahead to the facility to give them notice that the victim is on their way and will need a SKIT forensic exam.

  • The victim has a way to contact the officer(s) if they have any issues at the facility.

Best practice for Law Enforcement:
  • Police accompany the victim to the hospital to ensure that they are able to receive a SKIT exam.

  • If the victim goes to the ER on their own, police can call ahead to the facility to give them notice that the victim is on their way and will need a SKIT forensic exam.

  • The victim has a way to contact the officer(s) if they have any issues at the facility.

CONTACTS

If you have an issue accessing a SKIT exam for a victim, you can reach assistance at the numbers below. Contact RSI for any facility that is not a Providence facility. You can also click on the "SKIT Facilities" in the menu or the List of SKIT Facilities link under Materials/Resources below:

Rapid SAVE Investigations (RSI)

503-724-0747 OR 503-724-1659

Providence Health System

503-216-1200

MATERIALS/RESOURCES

TRAINING VIDEOS

COMING SOON

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Oregon State Police SKIT Video

Oregon State Police Supplemental Video

Oregon Strangulation Forensic Evidence Kits - SKITs -

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