McGrath, an IPV survivor, poses for a portrait in St. John's, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly
Georgina McGrath reveals her ongoing struggle after surviving strangulation by her former partner, recalling the chilling sensation of his hands around her neck. Despite a decade passing since the traumatic event, McGrath remains haunted, still sleeping with windows open for comfort.
As a vocal advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence, McGrath's voice trembles when discussing her ordeal. She articulates the pervasive fear experienced during such incidents, describing a sense of impending doom and a feeling of being drained.
McGrath joins a chorus of experts nationwide calling for specialized training for law enforcement, judges, and lawyers regarding strangulation in cases of intimate partner violence. Amanda McCormick, an associate professor of criminology at the University of the Fraser Valley, underscores the significance of strangulation as a red flag for heightened risk of femicide.
Strangulation, often concealed due to its lack of visible injuries, represents a potent tool of control for abusers. While legislative changes in 2019 amended the Criminal Code to classify strangulation as a form of assault, there remains a critical need for comprehensive training to effectively enforce this law. McCormick emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle signs, such as a persistent cough or sore throat, and understanding the potential health risks associated with strangulation, including stroke and brain injury.
Despite legal amendments, awareness within the justice system regarding the severity of assault by strangulation remains lacking. McCormick's research reveals a disconnect between the gravity of the offense and the leniency of sentences imposed on offenders. This discord underscores the urgent need for education and training across various sectors, including law enforcement, legal professionals, and healthcare practitioners.
In response to this pressing need, the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention recently conducted a training session in Ottawa, targeting a diverse range of professionals working with victims of domestic violence. The institute's co-founder, Casey Gwinn, highlights the critical role of such training in addressing the most dangerous perpetrators of domestic violence.
McGrath's advocacy extends to the political arena, as she testifies before a Senate committee advocating for a national strategy to prevent intimate partner violence. She underscores the necessity of comprehensive training within the justice system, particularly regarding the risks associated with strangulation.
McGrath proposes the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to intimate partner violence cases, equipped with judges and lawyers trained to navigate the complexities of such cases. Additionally, she advocates for mandatory reporting of strangulation cases by healthcare workers, akin to reporting requirements for incidents involving stabbing or shooting.
While the Newfoundland and Labrador Justice Department expresses openness to exploring such policies, concerns linger regarding potential deterrent effects on victims seeking medical assistance. McCormick stresses the importance of victims receiving medical attention, highlighting the inherent risks to their health and safety if deterred from seeking help.
In essence, McGrath's story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring trauma inflicted by intimate partner violence, while experts underscore the urgent need for comprehensive training and policy measures to address the insidious threat of strangulation within such contexts.
