Over 70 police officers, prosecutors, and victim advocates attended an in depth training session on the investigation and prosecution of Domestic Violence cases involving strangulation. Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and is often overlooked as victims don't always have signs of physical trauma.

The session was lead by Gael Strack JD, CEO of the Family Justice Center Alliance and former San Diego Asst. City Attorney, and Dr. Dean Hawley, a forensic expert and Director of Autopsy Services for the Indiana University School of Medicine. Strack and Dr. Hawley are two of the country's leading experts. Topics covered in the session included; Domestic Violence injuries, Strangulation Investigation and Documentation, Strangulation Prosecution. And Developing and Preparing Local Experts for Trial.

Knox County received over 19,000 911 calls for domestic violence last year and Tennessee is 5th in the nation in the number of women killed by men.

Also in attendance was State Representative Ryan Haynes who, Along with Senator Jamie Woodson, has introduced legislation seeking increased criminal penalties in strangulation cases. 29 states have enacted similar legislation and several more are pending.

The training was made possible by a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women.