RI Senate OKs tougher penalties for strangulation
May 5, 2012
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PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Rhode Island Senate has endorsed a proposal to increase penalties for domestic assault by choking.
The measure would make domestic assault by strangulation a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Supporters of the bill say tougher penalties for choking someone could prevent domestic homicides by stopping batterers before abuse escalates.
The Senate passed the legislation on Thursday. A similar bill is under consideration in the House of Representatives.
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic violence supports the proposal. The group says nearly 10,000 domestic violence victims sought help last year.
More than half of U.S. states have already passed similar domestic choking laws.
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