At The Hotline, we often speak with people who don’t think they are being abused because they aren’t being hit, aren’t being hit with a closed fist or aren’t being physically abused on a regular or daily basis. While abuse can include frequent, violent attacks, abuse can also include monitoring your phone, restricting access to finances, controlling who you spend time with and many other behaviors that aren’t physical at all. However, one of the most serious and deadly forms of abuse is physical, but many survivors are still hesitant to label strangulation or “choking” as abusive.
The information in this article is not meant to scare you, but you deserve to know the facts so you can make the best plan to keep yourself safe.
If your partner has ever put their hands around your neck, put you in a “sleeper hold” or used anything else to strangle you like a scarf, necklace, belt, rope, etc., keep reading.
Because strangulation can be very serious, symptoms of strangulation can include:
a sore throat
difficulty swallowing
neck pain
hoarseness
bruising on the neck or behind your ears
discoloration on your tongue
ringing in your ears
bloodshot eyes
dizziness
memory loss
drooling
nausea or vomiting
difficulty breathing
incontinence
a seizure
a miscarriage
changes in mood or personality, like agitation or aggression
changes in sleep patterns
changes in vision, such as blurriness or seeing double
fainted or lost consciousness
It’s possible to experience strangulation and show no symptoms at first but die weeks later because of brain damage due to lack of oxygen and other internal injuries. For this reason, and for a safe way to document the abuse, we strongly recommend you consider seeing a doctor if your partner has strangled or choked you. Also know that you always have the right to file a police report, press charges for an assault or seek a restraining order against someone who is choosing to be abusive towards you.
Facts You Deserve to Know
Strangulation is a significant predictor for future lethal violence.
If your partner has strangled you in the past, your risk of being killed by them is 10 times higher.
Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds, and death within minutes.
Filling out the lethality assessment, especially with an advocate at your local domestic violence agency, can help you learn more about your personal risk from your partner. This survivor’s story talks about how long-term memories can be affected by traumatic brain injuries caused by strangulation and concussion. We know that the details of abuse can get fuzzy, sometimes from gaslighting or from the abuse itself, so if it’s safe to do so we recommend documenting as much of the abuse you’re experiencing as possible. If you need to call the doctor, The Hotline or your local domestic violence agency but making calls is dangerous for you, here are some helpful tips that might work for you. To find a domestic violence agency near you, or for help making a plan to stay safe, please call our advocates 24/7/365.
CITATION: https://www.thehotline.org/resources/the-dangers-of-strangulation/ The Dangers of Strangulation
The Hotline Citation Policy https://www.thehotline.org/media-room/
“Listing The Hotline as a resource:
The Hotline grants permission for other websites, publications, and projects to list our organization’s contact information and website as a resource. Content from this website may be used only if The Hotline is cited as the source.
Note: The Hotline doesn’t specifically endorse or promote projects with which we do not have explicit involvement or an official partnership.”
Private Message or Call (281) 845-2472
(c) 2021 Christopher Meyer Law Firm, PLLC All Rights Reserved The information on this video is for general information, entertainment and educational purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney client relationship Please call (281) 845-2472 if you have any questions about this disclaimer.