Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of physical abuse, yet it remains misunderstood and sometimes even overlooked. Compressing the neck to restrict blood flow or airflow can have devastating physical and psychological consequences.
Following are four critical facts about strangulation.
- You may not realize you passed out.
Strangulation can cause you to lose consciousness within seconds, and the experience can be so disorienting that you may not even realize it happened. Victims often report a sense of blacking out or losing time, only to regain awareness and be confused or unaware of how much time has passed. This lack of memory can lead survivors to downplay the severity of the incident, not recognizing how close they were to a life-threatening event.
Even if consciousness is regained quickly, the effects of being strangled can linger and escalate over time. This makes it vital to seek medical attention after any strangulation incident, even if you seem to feel fine.
- It Is physical abuse.
Strangulation is not just a threatening gesture. It is a severe and intentional act of physical violence. It is also a strong predictor of escalating abuse and lethality. According to research, victims who experience non-fatal strangulation are seven times more likely to be killed by their abuser in future incidents.
Strangulation may leave few visible signs, which can lead to its seriousness being underestimated. However, the act itself demonstrates extreme control and an intent to harm or even kill, making it one of the most violent forms of abuse.
- Effects may not show for up to 72 hours.
Unlike other forms of physical violence, the injuries from strangulation are often internal and may not appear immediately. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a raspy voice, swallowing issues, bruising, or swelling may develop hours or even days after the incident. In some cases, delayed symptoms can indicate serious internal injuries, such as:
- damage to the carotid arteries;
- blood clots that could lead to a stroke; and
- swelling that obstructs the airway.
Because the effects can be delayed, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you don’t have immediate visible injuries.
- It can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI) .
The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly. Strangulation disrupts this supply, potentially causing lasting damage in just seconds. A lack of oxygen can result in hypoxia (low oxygen) or anoxia (complete oxygen deprivation), which can lead to traumatic brain injury.
Signs of TBI from strangulation include:
- persistent headaches;
- memory problems;
- confusion;
- difficulty concentrating; and
- changes in mood or behavior.
These symptoms may not always be immediately evident, but they can have long-term consequences for a survivor’s physical and emotional well-being. Medical professionals trained in abuse-related injuries can help diagnose and treat these conditions.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we can help plan how to stay safe. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
About GCFJC
The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.
Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.
We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.