Oklahoma’s strangulation laws: penalties, training gaps, and inconsistencies

Strangulation is one of the deadliest forms of domestic assault. Victims can become unconscious in less than 10 seconds and can die within minutes. Experts call it the ultimate show of power and control over the victim, as the assailant literally controls their next breath. Victims who have been strangled are 750 percent more likely to be killed by the same person.

Domestic assault and battery by strangulation is classified as a felony in Oklahoma, with penalties for a first offense ranging from one to three years in prison. A second conviction can result in a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.

However, because strangulation is not considered an 85 percent crime, offenders often serve only a fraction of their sentence, with many released in a matter of months. This has raised concerns among experts and law enforcement about the effectiveness of the state’s criminal justice system in addressing this serious offense.

Strangulation is a highly dangerous form of domestic violence. Experts say victims can lose consciousness in a matter of seconds and suffer long-term effects such as brain injuries, strokes, or even death. Despite the clear danger, the lack of a national protocol for handling strangulation cases means that different counties and states treat these cases differently.

While Oklahoma law takes a firm stance on the issue, with penalties for repeat offenders, the training for law enforcement has not fully caught up. Many officers and first responders lack the specialized training needed to recognize and address the severe consequences, and there aren't national protocols in place so every state handles these cases differently.

Deputy Kimber Take with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, who trains both law enforcement and citizens on self-defense tactics, has emphasized the importance of mental and physical preparation in responding to such attacks. She noted that fear and panic can be overwhelming in the moment, which is why practicing escape tactics can give victims a better chance to survive.

“Your brain can’t do what it doesn’t know,” Take said. “So foreshadowing, practicing, running scenarios in your mind lays the work for something your brain thinks it knows how to do.”

Domestic Violence Intervention Services hotline number: 918-743-5763

Other resources: Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention: Free Resources

Related Coverage:

How to escape a strangulation attempt: Tulsa County deputy shares self-defense tips

Strangulation can kill days later: The hidden, lasting effects

Breaking The Silence On Domestic Violence: Resources