In October 2025, the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention in Rockford introduced a new protocol for responding to non-fatal strangulation in intimate partner violence cases. The Strangulation Task Force developed this protocol to improve how the community addresses these incidents, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The protocol involves several local partners. These include Rockford Police, Rockford Fire, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s and State’s Attorney’s Offices, UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, MERIT, and the Family Peace Center. It sets a standard process for emergency responders, law enforcement, medical staff, and advocates to help survivors receive medical care and legal support…