I am an Arkansas resident, and unfortunately, a victim of strangulation as a result of domestic partner violence. My life, as well as the life of my unborn child, hung by a thread due to this gruesome act of violence.  According to the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, if a victim is strangled even once, their chance of becoming a homicide victim increases by 70%. Regrettably, our story is far from unique as domestic partner violence is widely prevalent in this southern state with 40.8 percent of women experiencing IPV (intimate partner violence) in Arkansas, 2023.

Fortunately, my child and I are blessed to be alive. Many victims have and will not be so lucky. I realize now that I have not only a voice, but a responsibility to stand, and speak up for victims of IPV, alive and unborn. I am determined to change this grave misclassification of strangulation in the state of Arkansas. 

Strangulation, especially of an intimate partner or family member, is an incredibly heartless act of unspeakable violence. Threatening another, innocent and even UNBORN, life in the process of this act renders the crime especially heinous. Strangulation is a well-known lethality factor in domestic violence cases, with unconsciousness possibly occurring within seconds and death within minutes. Even if the mother is able survive the lack of oxygen, the likeliness of the unborn baby losing its life due to oxygen deprivation is much higher.

Strangulation is an example of extreme disregard for human life. Restricting a person's only air supply, for any amount of time, by forcibly applying pressure to the throat, is absolutely an attempt to end that person's life. However, strangulation remains a Class D felony assault in the state of Arkansas (a slap on the wrist), failing to protect current, and future, victims of these crimes. This misclassification allows these violent offenders less restrictive means of punishment and more attainable means of freedom. This lack of accountability and victim protection makes it incredibly easy for these abusers to return to their victims, and eventually go on to abuse new victims.

The laws pertaining to strangulation in Arkansas, especially surrounding pregnancy, are nothing short of unjust.

It is heartbreaking to acknowledge that 1 in 3 Arkansan women will encounter severe physical violence by their partners during their lifetime, as per the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). It's even more heartbreaking to think that 1 woman, could possibly be someone you care deeply about; your neighbor, friend, sister....daughter. 

We are advocating for the Arkansas legislature to reconsider the classification of strangulation, specifically in domestic violence situations and use risk factors in setting bond and release stipulations for offenders. We demand an upgrade from a Class D felony to a Class A felony, thereby reflecting the scale of harm and the extreme risk posed to the victims. This change will serve as a significant deterrent for the abusers, resulting in enhanced safety for the victims and stricter penalties for the perpetrators.

It starts with US. Please, join us in seeking justice and promoting change. Respect the severity of this crime, understand the untold stories of its victims, and be a part of this important legislative change. Stand by us as we demand better protection for survivors of domestic violence.

Sign the petition today.