St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s forensic nursing team contributed to a statewide effort to better identify, treat and prosecute cases of non-fatal strangulation—an often-overlooked but deadly form of abuse.
In 2019, the Commonwealth of Kentucky made non-fatal strangulation a felony, opening the door for the criminal prosecution of perpetrators. Before the change, non-fatal strangulation was only a misdemeanor.
In response to the change St. Elizabeth Healthcare partnered with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office to develop a comprehensive manual that outlines what constitutes strangulation, how to properly treat victims, and how to effectively prosecute offenders.
Kentucky is the third state to develop a strangulation prevention guide, following California and Alaska. The manual is used by medical professionals, prosecutors, activists and law enforcement officials alike.
Internally, the effort was led by the St. Elizabeth’s forensic nursing team, who were tasked with working on cases related to domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and human trafficking.
The manual, which is 129 pages and eight chapters long, includes valuable information related to strangulation laws, investigating incidents, medical evaluation and victim advocacy.
“If we can prosecute these people, then you know we’re giving that person a chance to maybe get out of the relationship, and also holding that offender accountable to their actions,” said Jill Brummett, head of forensic nursing at all six St. Elizabeth locations.
Brummett told LINK nky that many people don’t understand the dangers of strangulation. Non-fatal strangulation can negatively impact a victim’s health, both physically and mentally, with some victims suffering from cognitive issues, and brain and neck injuries.
Further, the manual states that victims of at least one episode of strangulation are 700% more likely to be a victim of attempted homicide and 800% more likely to become a homicide victim at the hands of the same partner
“From our perspective, especially medical-wise, we’ll go in a lot of times and educate our juries to the dangers of strangulation,” Brummett said. “For us, it’s very good because it’s informative to the medical piece of it and the dangers of it that people don’t know the way people don’t know.”
For their contributions, the forensic nursing team was awarded first place at the International Association of Forensic Nurses annual conference. Throughout the drafting process, St. Elizabeth provided medical input for the manual.
Forensic Nurse Amanda Kallmeyer said one of the most rewarding parts of the project was its real-world application.
“For me, it’s that gratitude and thankfulness when you actually help somebody,” she said.
For Brummett, the manual helps empower victims, bringing justice and validation to those who often feel overlooked.
“One of the things that I say a lot of times, which is very powerful for them, is, you know, like I believe you and I’m here to help you, and that really empowers them, and then empowers them, you know, to heal and to be resilient,” Brummett said.
