Strangulation is an incredibly serious form of domestic violence because it can be a precursor to homicide. When someone is strangled, it’s not only a terrifying act of power and control, but it also places their life at immediate risk. Even if the victim survives the event, the damage from strangulation can be both immediate and long-term, affecting not just physical health but mental and emotional well-being as well.

Here’s why strangulation is so dangerous:

1. High Risk of Lethality

Studies have shown that victims who experience non-fatal strangulation are up to 7.5 times more likely to be killed by their abuser later on compared to those who haven’t been strangled. This form of abuse demonstrates a willingness by the abuser to cause significant harm or even death. Strangulation is often an escalation in the cycle of violence, signaling that the abuser is moving into more severe, life-threatening behaviors. Many domestic violence homicides have strangulation in their history, making it one of the most telling red flags in predicting future violence.

2. Strangulation Can Cause Immediate and Long-Term Injury

Even if strangulation doesn’t result in death, it can cause serious internal injuries that may not be immediately visible. Compression of the neck during strangulation can damage blood vessels, airways, and the central nervous system. Some immediate effects include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and damage to the voice box. But long-term consequences can be equally severe, such as brain damage due to lack of oxygen during the strangulation, memory loss, and even strokes.

Victims often downplay the event, particularly if they survived without obvious external injuries, but medical experts emphasize that strangulation survivors should seek immediate medical attention even if they feel “okay.” The lack of oxygen to the brain and vital organs during strangulation can result in fatal outcomes hours or even days after the incident.

3. Control and Terrorization

Strangulation is not just about physical harm — it’s about control and terror. When someone is strangled, they are aware of how close they are to death. This creates an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and fear. Abusers often use this tactic to reinforce their control over the victim, sending the message that they can end their life at any time. The psychological trauma from an act of strangulation can be long-lasting, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

4. Often Underreported or Misunderstood

Despite its lethality, strangulation is often underreported, misreported, or misunderstood. Victims may not recognize the danger they were in, especially if there were no visible marks. Strangulation doesn’t always leave obvious bruising or external signs, which can lead to it being minimized by the victim or law enforcement. In some cases, victims may hesitate to report it because they fear retaliation, are financially dependent on their abuser, or are trapped in a cycle of emotional manipulation (like gaslighting).

5. Indicators for Law Enforcement and Advocates

Increasing awareness about the dangers of strangulation is critical for law enforcement, medical professionals, and domestic violence advocates. Many jurisdictions now treat strangulation as a felony due to its potential lethality, and specific training is provided to law enforcement on how to recognize and respond to this form of violence. The fact that strangulation doesn’t always leave visible signs means that it requires careful questioning and examination by those involved in assessing the risk.

What Can Be Done?

• Immediate Medical Attention: If someone has been strangled, even if they don’t feel injured, they should seek medical care. The physical consequences may not be apparent at first, but damage to the brain and organs can occur over time.
• Legal Action: Many places now have stricter laws regarding strangulation, making it easier to prosecute abusers for this particular form of assault. In some regions, strangulation is classified as a felony, reflecting its severity and the high risk it poses.
• Safety Planning: If strangulation occurs, it’s a sign that the situation is extremely dangerous, and an immediate safety plan should be developed with the help of professionals. This may involve finding shelter, seeking a protection order, or working with law enforcement to ensure the victim’s safety.

In short, strangulation is one of the clearest indicators that an abuser is willing to cross the line from severe harm to potentially taking a life. If strangulation has happened, the need to escape becomes urgent, as the abuser has shown a willingness to engage in deadly behavior.