U.S. Rep. Leger Fernández Joins Santa Fe Shelter to Discuss New Strangulation Exam Room

The new facility aims to provide a safe, comfortable space for victims of domestic violence to receive specialized forensic exams.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) visited the Esperanza Shelter in Santa Fe to discuss the shelter's new strangulation exam room, the first of its kind in the region. Strangulation is often a precursor to homicide for domestic violence victims, making specialized forensic exams critical. The shelter's CEO, Jan McCray, says the new exam room will provide a safe, comfortable space for victims, addressing issues like long waits in hospital ERs and concerns about leaving children behind. Leger Fernández also discussed her pending legislation to eliminate statutes of limitation for sexual abuse and trafficking victims, as well as funding for domestic violence programs.

Why it matters

Strangulation is a serious indicator of escalating domestic violence and a strong predictor of future homicide. By providing a dedicated exam room and specialized services, the Esperanza Shelter aims to improve access to critical forensic evidence collection and support for victims, who often face barriers to seeking care. Leger Fernández's legislative efforts also seek to empower survivors and hold abusers accountable.

The details

The new strangulation exam room at the Esperanza Shelter will be the first of its kind in the Santa Fe region. It is designed to provide a safe, comfortable space for victims to receive specialized forensic exams, rather than having to wait for hours in a hospital emergency room. The shelter will be fundraising to equip and staff the new facility, which they say will include transportation and childcare services to address common barriers victims face in seeking care.

  • On Monday, the Esperanza Shelter announced the expansion to include the new strangulation exam room.
  • Last month, Leger Fernández and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced Virginia's Law, which would eliminate statutes of limitation in civil cases for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking.

The players

Esperanza Shelter

A domestic violence shelter in Santa Fe, New Mexico that is expanding to include the region's first strangulation exam room.

Jan McCray

The CEO of the Esperanza Shelter.

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández

The Democratic Representative for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District, who joined the Esperanza Shelter to discuss the new strangulation exam room and her related legislative efforts.

Chuck Schumer

The U.S. Senate Democratic Leader, who co-introduced Virginia's Law with Leger Fernández.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre

A prominent survivor of abuse by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide last year. Virginia's Law is named after her.

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What they’re saying

“Justice should not have an end date, and the abuser should not be able to use time as one of his weapons.”

— U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (Source New Mexico)

“Most women who are strangled sincerely believed they were going to die and leave their children without a parent.”

— Jan McCray, CEO, Esperanza Shelter (Source New Mexico)

What’s next

The Esperanza Shelter will be fundraising to equip and staff the new strangulation exam room, with the goal of providing a free, confidential program that includes transportation and childcare services for victims.

The takeaway

This new strangulation exam room at the Esperanza Shelter represents an important step in improving access to critical forensic evidence collection and support services for domestic violence victims in the Santa Fe region. Leger Fernández's legislative efforts to empower survivors and hold abusers accountable are also crucial to addressing this ongoing issue.