A Transformative Journey in Puerto Rico

Since partnering with Alliance for Hope in 2021, we have made significant strides in addressing strangulation and improving responses to violence in Puerto Rico. Through impactful trainings, we have empowered over 1,500 professionals to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. These efforts have led to the enactment of Puerto Rico's first strangulation and suffocation law and provided us with the tools to draft our Protocol for an Effective Response to Strangulation, ensuring that we are prepared to offer comprehensive care and support to all victims.

Our journey has engaged a wide array of stakeholders and professionals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach to addressing these critical issues.

Additionally, through our research initiative with the Training Institute, we participated in a pilot study on non-fatal strangulation, and I am eager to present the findings alongside Jerry and Joe at this conference, sharing these insights with all of you.

I am grateful to Casey, Gael, Bill, Joe, Fernanda and Jerry for their unwavering collaboration, trust, and support throughout these years of work. Together, we have built a strong foundation for a safer future, transforming our approach to violence and fostering hope for survivors in Puerto Rico. This journey exemplifies the power of collaboration, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice.