Two-Day Training to Address Domestic Violence Strangulation Cases

Experts to lead sessions on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting strangulation in domestic violence and sexual assault situations.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:03am

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The Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, in partnership with UW Health SwedishAmerican, will host a two-day professional training focused on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting strangulation cases in domestic violence and sexual assault situations. Nationally recognized experts Gael Strack and Casey Gwinn will lead the sessions, which are designed for a wide range of professionals who encounter these types of cases.

Why it matters

Strangulation is an often under-recognized but highly lethal form of violence in domestic abuse and sexual assault cases. This training aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to better identify, document, and prosecute these incidents, which can be critical in preventing further violence and saving lives.

The details

The training, titled 'Strangulation: The Last Warning Shot,' will take place on April 22-23, 2026 at the UW Health Women and Children's Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the warning signs and symptoms of strangulation, the connection between strangulation and increased lethality risk, medical and anatomical impacts on victims, best practices for investigation and prosecution, legal considerations, and resources for victim advocacy.

  • The training will take place on April 22-23, 2026.
  • Registration is required by April 13, 2026.

The players

Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention

A local government office focused on addressing domestic and community violence issues in Rockford, Illinois.

UW Health SwedishAmerican

A healthcare system in Rockford, Illinois that is partnering with the Mayor's Office to host the training.

Gael Strack

A nationally recognized expert who will lead the training sessions.

Casey Gwinn

A nationally recognized expert who will lead the training sessions.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This training highlights the critical need for professionals across various fields to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify, document, and prosecute strangulation cases in domestic violence and sexual assault situations, which can be a key factor in preventing further violence and saving lives.