By John Dobberstein, Editor
Oklahoma has been dealing with some grim statistics when it comes to domestic violence, including strangulation cases in northeastern Oklahoma. According to Domestic Violence Intervention Services, if your partner strangles you, they’re 750% more likely to kill you.
On Thursday, a group of police chiefs and sheriffs participated in a public service announcement video organized by the Broken Arrow Police Department, and filmed and edited by KOTV – News On 6 . News On 6 anchors Lori Fullbright and Reagan Ledbetter were also featured in the PSA.
“Strangulation, like all forms of domestic violence, is about exerting power and control — only it comes with an even higher body count,” said Lori Gonzalez, Vice President of Advocacy Services for Domestic Violence Intervention Services in Tulsa. “And if it isn’t fatal, you’re still squeezing someone’s throat until they cannot breathe and/or lose consciousness.
“That has devastating long-term physical and psychological effects. As more communities are educated on strangulation, the more they understand why it is considered the last warning shot for a survivor.”
Law enforcement agencies involved with the video are: Broken Arrow Police Department, Bixby Police Department, Glenpool Police Department, Jenks Police Department, Claremore Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Catoosa Police Department, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, and The Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police.
“Domestic Violence impacts every community in our region, state, and across the country,” said Broken Arrow Police Chief Brandon Berryhill in a statement. “Which is why it’s paramount that our cities stand together to raise awareness and offer resources for those experiencing this abuse.”
To seek help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
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