Broome County Launches First Protocol Uniting Agencies On Strangulation Cases

Thursday, August 6, 2026, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar held a news conference along with several government officials from Broome County, law enforcement representatives, emergency services agencies, community organizations, and health care providers.

Details Of The Announcement

The announcement outlined a coordinated, county-wide response to dangerous strangulation-related offenses occurring in domestic violence cases.

A first-of-its-kind protocol in Broome County, this effort will involve multiple agencies and organizations who will be able to quickly identify, communicate, and implement evidence-based practices and standards of care for victims who report strangulation.

The agencies include the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Victims Assistance Center, Broome County Office of Emergency Services, Broome County District Attorney’s Office, Binghamton Police Department, Guthrie-Lourdes Hospital, and UHS Hospital.

Sheriff Akshar noted that Broome County will lead the way in response, treatment, victim services, and prosecution to help end the cycle of Intimate Partner Violence and save lives.

Read More: Catch Up On Binghamton Area Local News

Strangulation Explained

During the news conference, it was explained that strangulation and obstruction of breathing come in different forms, from applying pressure to a person’s throat/neck and blocking the nose/mouth, to wrapping hands or arms around a person’s neck. A person could be rendered unconscious in as little as 5-10 seconds by obstructing blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Respiration could stop altogether at approximately 62 seconds. Any obstruction of blood flow is highly likely to cause brain damage. Strangulation is also a serious indicator of future murder in domestic violence situations. A history of IPV-related strangulation increases the risk of homicide by 750%, according to the Journal of Emergency Medicine.

This protocol is a testament to the commitment and cooperation of our local Public Safety and Healthcare system, as well as our victims’ advocates', all focused on the safety of Broome County residents. If you or someone you know has been strangled, even if there are no visible injuries, seek follow-up care from a medical provider as soon as possible because symptoms and serious complications may appear later. Unreported crimes and abuse only help perpetuate the cycle, and it will take all of us working together to end it. - Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar

This effort will provide a consistent message and awareness from the moment a victim calls for help to arrive at the hospital and through prosecution and advocate support.

For more information, visit the Broome County Sheriff's website.

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