Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. When domestic violence perpetrators choke (strangle) their victims, not only is this felonious assault, but it may be an attempted homicide.

Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim’s next breath: it may have devastating psychological effects or a potentially fatal outcome.

Dr. Bill Smock

Dr. Smock is the Police Surgeon and directs the Clinical Forensic Medicine Program for the Louisville Metro Police Department. He graduated from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky in 1981 and obtained a Master’s degree in Anatomy from the University of Louisville in 1987. Bill graduated from the University of Louisville, School of Medicine in 1990 and completed a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Louisville in 1993. 

Gael Strack, Esq. 

Prior to her work at the Family Justice Center and launching Alliance for Hope International, Gael was a prosecutor at the San Diego City Attorney's Office and served in many capacities including Head deputy City Attorney responsible for the Child Abuse & Domestic Violence Unit. 

Today, Gael B. Strack is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Alliance for HOPE International. Programs of the Alliance include: National Family Justice Center Alliance, Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, Camp HOPE America, Justice Legal Network and VOICES Survivor Network.

Joe Bianco

Before joining the Alliance, Joe was a police officer for 16 years with the NYCPD and SDPD, assigned as a detective to the DV and Child Abuse Unit for 6 years and  recognized as a court expert in non-fatal strangulation cases and DV dynamics. In addition, he spent a year working for child welfare services for the State of NH. He is passionate for helping survivors on family violence and education other professionals in the dangers of IPV and strangulation.