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New State Directive Establishes "BREATHE" Teams for Strangulation and Smothering Response
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Improve Medical Examinations, Evidence Collection, and Support for Victims of Nonfatal Strangulation and Smothering
A new directive by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin establishes a multidisciplinary response team known as the “BREATHE Team,” responsible for responding to crimes of nonfatal strangulation and smothering, a step that aims to provide a cohesive approach to such violent incidents.
Trenton, NJ - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued Law Enforcement Directive No. 2023-03 yesterday, setting the groundwork for the creation of the BREATHE Team, an essential response initiative aimed at dealing with nonfatal strangulation and smothering incidents.
Who: The BREATHE Teams will comprise qualified Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs), law enforcement officers, and victim advocates. They will work in close coordination with the Division of Criminal Justice, 21 County Prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
What: The directive requires County Prosecutors to develop procedures for referring victims of nonfatal strangulation and smothering for forensic medical examination. It also provides guidelines to establish better emergency care for victims and improve forensic evidence collection for future prosecutions.
When: BREATHE Teams will be operational in all 21 counties by January 1, 2024.
Where: The initiative will be implemented statewide, covering all counties in New Jersey.
Why: Strangulation, a lethal form of domestic violence, correlates with an approximately 750 percent increased risk of homicide by the offender. The directive recognizes that many victims of strangulation may sustain life-threatening internal injuries with no visible external signs.
How: The BREATHE initiative has been made possible by investments in Governor Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, appropriating $4.2 million for FNEs. This replaces previous reliance on federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) dollars and allows for an expansion of services.
In an official statement, Attorney General Platkin emphasized, "Victims of violent crimes endure both physical and emotional pain, and implementing BREATHE teams in every county across the state will ensure that they have access to the comprehensive and specialized care they need and deserve."
The BREATHE initiative represents a key milestone in New Jersey's efforts to combat violent crimes through a victim-centered approach. Specific training for FNEs will be provided to evaluate and gather evidence from victims, potentially offering critical, life-saving medical services and preserving evidence for prosecution.
Furthermore, the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence praised the creation of the BREATHE Teams, with Legal Director Denise Higgins expressing gratitude for the multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes victims' needs.
This directive aligns with Attorney General Platkin's ongoing commitment to addressing violent crime and reinforces the state's dedication to providing support to victims of heinous crimes like strangulation and smothering. It represents a unified step toward both healing for survivors and justice within the legal system.
