A newly pre-filed bill in South Carolina's General Assembly seeks to enhance prosecution of domestic violence offenders by specifically addressing the act of strangulation, a recognized indicator of heightened risk for victims. The proposed legislation aims to both define and increase penalties for this particularly dangerous form of abuse.
Experts and advocates emphasize that strangulation is a significant predictor of potential homicide in domestic violence cases. This bill, championed by organizations such as Safe Passage, a Rock Hill-based non-profit, is viewed as crucial in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The proposed law would clearly outline the definition of strangulation and introduce stricter penalties for abusers, specifically those violating protective orders. Offenders using strangulation or ligatures would face an additional three to ten years of incarceration, supplementing any other sentences.
While the bill is a welcome step, advocates like Joan Harris of Safe Passage stress the importance of comprehensive training for law enforcement officers. Additional resources and training could greatly improve officers' understanding of strangulation and its correlation to future acts of violence.
Interestingly, South Carolina is reported to be the only state without specific legislation targeting strangulation, while neighboring North Carolina has had similar laws in place for years. The bill, pre-filed this month, awaits further legislative action.
