Albany, NY – Officials say nearly 2,000 men have been charged since New York made strangulation a separate offense last fall to help combat domestic violence.
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About 1,600 defendants face the misdemeanor of obstructing someone’s breathing or blood circulation. That rises to a felony if the victim blacks out or suffers other injury.
The law, similar to one in California, took effect Nov. 11. The Division of Criminal Justice Services says the charge was lodged 2,003 times in the first 15 weeks and 94 percent of the suspects are male.
Previously, intentional choking was usually charged as harassment, a violation, or third-degree assault if there were evident injuries.
The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence cites nearly a half-million reported domestic incidents annually in New York, ranging from verbal disputes to homicides.
It should be obvious that choking is more than harassment when it considerably dangerous.
What was wrong with the existing laws? Surely choking someone constitutes battery.
They mean to say that before November 11 strangulation was legal in New York? Somehow I doubt it.