In June of last year, I endured a mother's worst nightmare when my daughter, Aaliyah Dejear, fell victim to a horrific act of violence. She was strangled by her intimate partner, Migell Goudeau. As she fought for air and life, the sheer force of her struggle caused the tampon inside of her to expel - a harrowing evidence of the intensity and the violence this merciless act involved. This attack was more than just a physical assault; it was attempted murder.

Statistics sadly bear out the potential fatal outcome of strangulation incidents like the one Aaliyah endured. In cases of intimate partner violence, offenders who strangle their victims are more likely to commit murder within a year of the strangulation incident. It's clear that when someone strangles another, they are demonstrating a chilling willingness to control, harm, and potentially end a life.

Current laws in Oklahoma do not sufficiently classify strangulation as the life-threatening act that it is. That's why I'm proposing a crucial amendment to the Aaliyah Act. Strangulation needs to be officially classified and tried as attempted murder in Oklahoma courtrooms. By doing so, the courts can properly attribute the ultimate severity associated with this violent act, bringing commensurate justice to its victims and potentially deterring future incidents.

Let us make Aaliyah’s fight count for something much more significant. Stand with me in demanding a tougher stance on strangulation crimes in Oklahoma by supporting the Aaliyah Act amendment. Aaliyah's story deserves to be the catalyst for change. Please sign this petition and help push for stronger laws against strangulation.

Here are some additional resources related to the implications of strangulation, many of which leave or expose the victim to irreparable damage long after the strangulation occurs. Please take a moment to review each and sign the petition: 

Long Term Medical Implications of Strangulation: https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/media/strangulation-domestic-violence-and-brain-injury-an-introduction-to-a-complex-topic

Long Term Psychological Implications of Strangulation:

https://naplesshelter.org/strangulation/

Undetected Injuries of Strangulation: 

https://www.longmontdomesticviolence.org/english/facts-resources/strangulation/