Strangulation is most commonly seen in domestic violence cases. When I discovered that the penalty for this method of abuse was only equivalent to that of a motor vehicle violation, I was shocked and horrified.

I immediately turned my attention to helping draft legislation to stiffen the penalty for this heinous crime. Recently, the governor signed the legislation I sponsored into law, creating new crimes and increasing penalties for people convicted of strangulation.

There has been an alarming increase in the number of reported assaults involving strangulation across New York State over the past several years.

According to the Erie County Family Justice Center, approximately one-third of its cases involve strangulation. Additionally, the number of actual strangulation cases is likely much higher because victims frequently downplay the level of violence and police and medical personnel often fail to recognize it, according to the justice center.

Injuries suffered from strangulation can frequently be quite serious and sometimes fatal.

This type of heinous act clearly justifies the new penalties. This law sends a strong message that this type of disturbing behavior will result in abusers receiving a punishment that fits this terrifying crime.

The new law creates crimes of strangulation that would make it easier for prosecutors to charge someone with the crime.

The measure amends the penal law by adding a new article and creates the crimes of strangulation in the first degree, a class C violent felony offense; strangulation in the second degree, a class D violent felony offense; and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a class A misdemeanor.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please be aware there are local organizations that can help, including the Family Justice Center of Erie County. The Center provides free services to victims of domestic violence and their children.

For more information on services they offer, call 716-558-SAFE (7233) or go to www.fjcsafe. org.

For after-hours help, contact Crisis Services at 834-3131, Haven House at 884-6000 or Hispanics United of Buffalo at 481-8867.