Non-fatal strangulation is a very serious form of violence that is often used to assert control and fear. It is one of the most dangerous forms of abuse and is predictor of escalation and future lethal violence
What Is Non-Fatal Strangulation?
Non-fatal strangulation occurs when someone compresses the neck in any way, cutting off oxygen or blood flow to the brain. This can happen through choking a person with hands, ropes, or other objects. Even if you don’t have visible injuries, the act can cause internal damage or long-term health issues like memory problems, headaches, difficulty speaking, or stroke.
Victims may not always realize the severity of their symptoms. Many experience dizziness, confusion, or a sore throat and believe it will pass. However, strangulation can have lasting effects on your body, even without bruises or external signs. Seeking medical help is crucial.
Strangulation in Controlling Relationships
Strangulation is not just a physical act of violence—it also serves as a powerful tool of control and terror. Unlike other forms of abuse, strangulation creates an immediate sense of life-or-death helplessness, allowing the abuser to dominate the victim psychologically as well as physically. There are several reasons why abusers use this terrifying method:
- Exerting Ultimate Control and Power: Strangulation is a way for the abuser to demonstrate they have total control over the victim’s life. Holding someone’s airway for even a few seconds instills fear and reinforces the message: “Your life is in my hands.” It symbolizes complete dominance, leaving the victim feeling powerless and fearful.
- Abuse Without Visible Evidence: Non-fatal strangulation often leaves minimal external marks, making it difficult to detect or prove in medical exams. Abusers may strangle their partners knowing there will be fewer physical signs, reducing the chances of legal consequences. This stealth factor reinforces the abuser’s belief that they can act with impunity.
- Silencing the Victim: Strangulation sends the message: “Do what I say, stay silent or else.” It is frequently used during arguments or when the victim tries to resist or disclose the abuse. This method ensures the individual is too scared to speak up again, reinforcing their isolation and compliance.
- Punishment for Perceived Defiance: Many abusers perceive any form of resistance or independence as defiance. Strangulation can serve as an immediate punishment, a way to reassert dominance and ‘correct’ their partner’s behavior.
- Psychological Terror and Control Beyond Physical Harm: The experience of being strangled leaves lasting psychological damage. Survivors often experience flashbacks, nightmares, and a pervasive sense of terror long after the incident. The abuser uses strangulation as a psychological weapon to maintain control, knowing the fear will keep the individual compliant. It need only happen once to have these lasting effects.
- Testing Boundaries and Establishing Compliance: Strangulation is also a way for the abusive partner to test how far they can go. If the victim stays or doesn’t report the attack, the abuser interprets this as ‘permission’ to continue or escalate the abuse, making future incidents more severe.
The Dangers of Non-Fatal Strangulation
Survivors of non-fatal strangulation are at a higher risk for homicide. IFAS’s analysis of 74 cases found that over half of the victims were later killed by the same perpetrator. Glass et al. (2008) showed that women who had been strangled by an intimate partner were 750% more likely to be killed than other victims of domestic violence. This makes it essential to take any strangulation incident seriously and prioritize your safety.
Strangulation also has long-term health consequences. It can result in brain damage, miscarriages, PTSD, and chronic health issues like seizures. Emotional impacts such as fear, anxiety, and depression are also common. Many survivors live with the trauma of feeling their life was in the hands of another person.
Legal Protections for Strangulation Victims
Countries around the world are recognizing the need for stricter laws around non-fatal strangulation. In the UK, the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 made non-fatal strangulation a specific offense, punishable by up to five years in prison. In the U.S., many states have introduced similar legislation, treating strangulation as a felony to reflect its danger and seriousness. These laws are intended to increase accountability and provide better protection for survivors.
The Importance of Seeking Help
If a partner or ex-partner has strangled you, your safety is the top priority. Here are the steps you can take:
Seek Medical Help: Even if you don’t have visible injuries, seek medical assistance. The medical facility will assess for internal injuries and create medical records, which are helpful if you choose to report the incident.
Document the Incident: If possible, write down what happened, including dates, details, and how you felt physically and emotionally. Take photos of any marks that might appear in the hours or days after the incident, no matter how slight.
Report the Incident: Strangulation is a serious crime. In many places, it is now recognized as a stand-alone offense. Reporting the incident can help hold the abuser accountable and protect you from further harm.
Non-fatal strangulation is a dangerous and underrecognized form of domestic abuse that demands immediate attention. While it can leave few visible signs, the risks it poses to your health and safety are profound. Taking steps to protect yourself, seeking medical care, and connecting with supportive services can make all the difference in breaking free from the cycle of abuse.
References
Glass, N., Laughon, K., Campbell, J., Block, C. R., Hanson, G., & Sharps, P. W. (2008). Non-fatal strangulation is an important risk factor for homicide of women. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 35(3), 329-335.
Stark, E. (2007). Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. Oxford University Press.
Wilbur, L., Higley, M., Hatfield, J., Surprenant, Z., Taliaferro, E., & Smith, D. (2001). Survey results of women who have been strangled while in abusive relationships. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 21(3), 297-302.
Top Image: Non-fatal strangulation can lead to severe long-term health issues and is a high-risk indicator for future violence. Source: doidam10 / Adobe Stock
