This week, the Rose Andom Center joined Denver public safety leaders and community partners for the official distribution of the Denver County Strangulation Response Protocol, marking an important step forward in Denver’s coordinated response to domestic violence and sexual assault.

Denver has a longstanding commitment to ensuring survivors receive a coordinated, survivor-centered response. The Denver County Strangulation Response Protocol builds on that commitment by establishing a consistent, multidisciplinary approach to identifying, documenting, and responding to strangulation cases across law enforcement, healthcare, advocacy, prosecution, and other community partners.

Strangulation is a particularly dangerous and often invisible form of violence. Victims can experience serious or life-threatening injuries even when there are no visible signs of harm, and nonfatal strangulation is an important risk factor for future serious violence and homicide. Early recognition and informed intervention can be critical to survivor safety.

The protocol helps ensure professionals across agencies understand the risks associated with strangulation and have clear guidance for screening, documentation, survivor education, safety planning, and accountability. The signing event brought partners together to recognize the importance of this shared approach and reaffirm Denver’s commitment to improving safety and outcomes for survivors.

We are incredibly grateful to the many community organizations, government agencies, advocates, medical professionals, law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and other experts who helped bring this protocol to life. Your collaboration and expertise are helping strengthen Denver’s response to strangulation and create a safer, more coordinated system for survivors.