Policy Text
AMIR ELFARRA, CHIEF OF POLICE
Professional Standards Division NUMBER: 2023 -06
ISSUED: July 12, 2023
Domestic Violence Strangulation – DAFE Exam
What is a DAFE
A Domestic Abuse Forensic Exam (DAFE is an exam, conducted by a specially trained forensic nurse, to
document injury, collect evidence, and present expert witness testimony in court. These exams are vital for a
successful prosecution of strangulation cases.
When a strangulation occurs durin g a domestic violence investigation, the victim shall be offered a DAFE . To
preserve evidence, the exam should be offered during the initial investigation. This exam is extremely important
with the court proceedings. Without a DAFE, the police department i s missing out on vital evidence to a
strangulation case.
Facts about Strangulations
- Studies have shown female survivors of strangulation are 7 times more likely to be victims of murder.
- Strangulation requires only 20 PSI to compress the carotid arteries /veins, which is about one third the
pressure of a firm handshake.
- Carotid dissection is a virtually invisible internal injury caused by strangulation which can cause stroke
and/or death at a later point in time.
- Multiple studies concluded that defendants who commit violence on their intimate partner with
strangulation are more likely to assault a police officer.
Required Advisement on Strangulations
PC Section 13701(I) – The act that you described is “strangulation.” Even if there are little or no visible injuries,
strangulation is serious and can cause internal injuries and delayed health consequences such as strokes,
miscarriage, and/or death. Research shows that if your partner strangles you, you are 750% more likely to be
killed by your partner. We stro ngly encourage you to be examined by a forensic nurse or any trauma center
and will contact a victim advocate to support you.
Procedure for Officers Investigating Strangulations
In strangulation investigations it is imperative that officers offer victims with a Domestic Abuse Forensic Exam
(DAFE) while they are on the initial investigation . Officers shall attempt to set up a DAFE for the victim . The
exam is voluntary and free of charge , so if the victim declines this shall be documented in the report . It i s
conducted at SAFE Place (same location for Sexual Assault Exams). Officers should call the Forensic Nurse
Specialists office at 562-430-6220 and provide them with victim contact information, DR, and circumstances on
the case. The Forensic Nurse Specialis ts will set up a date and time for the exam. The Forensic Nurse’s
exam /report will be provided to the GGPD once complete and added to the GGPD report. The Forensic Nurse’s
will provide expert testimony on their findings in court.
Prepared by: Detective Gerald Jordan, Crimes Against Persons TRAINING BULLETIN