Repeated violations of a restraining order, combined with an escalation of behavior, especially after an incident like strangulation, strongly signal danger to the court. Strangulation is a particularly alarming form of abuse because it is a known risk factor for future lethal violence in abusive relationships. When someone has already used strangulation as a method of control or harm, and then continues to break a restraining order, it paints a clear and concerning picture of the abuser’s potential for escalating violence.
Here’s why this combination signals a heightened risk:
1. Strangulation is a Warning Sign
Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of abuse. Research shows that perpetrators who strangle their victims are far more likely to escalate to lethal violence. Strangulation can cause significant physical damage and, even if the victim survives, it often leaves deep psychological scars. The abuser’s behavior in this context reveals that they are willing to go to extreme lengths to control and harm the victim. The use of strangulation is associated with a strong potential for more severe violence, including homicide.
2. Escalating Behavior Indicates Increasing Risk
Repeated violations of a restraining order, particularly after an event like strangulation, indicate that the abuser is not respecting boundaries and is likely to continue their attempts to control, intimidate, or harm the victim. This escalation shows that the abuser is either unwilling or unable to stop their abusive behavior, and it increases the likelihood that they will continue or escalate their violent actions.
3. A Pattern of Power and Control
Strangulation is often used as a method of asserting power and control over the victim. It is a way to instill fear, silence the victim, and create a sense of vulnerability. The abuser may be trying to break the victim’s will or send a message that they can inflict serious harm whenever they choose. When combined with repeated violations of a restraining order, it shows that the abuser has not only crossed a physical boundary but also a psychological one, suggesting that they feel entitled to impose their will through violence, no matter the consequences.
4. Indication of Narcissistic or Antisocial Traits
Abusers who engage in repeated violations of restraining orders, particularly after an event as serious as strangulation, often exhibit narcissistic or antisocial personality traits. They may have a blatant disregard for the law, the safety of others, and the well-being of the victim. This behavior suggests that the abuser feels entitled to act without consequences, which increases the danger to the victim. Such patterns indicate that the abuser sees themselves as above the law and may continue to escalate the abuse if they perceive it as a way to retain control over the victim.
5. Signal of Escalation Toward Lethality
The combination of strangulation and repeated restraining order violations is a serious warning sign that the abuser may escalate towards lethal violence. Statistically, strangulation is a significant predictor of intimate partner homicide, and the more the abuser violates legal boundaries, the more likely they are to escalate their actions. The victim’s life may be in grave danger, and law enforcement and the court must take immediate steps to ensure their safety.
6. Need for Immediate Intervention
Given the heightened risk of lethal violence, the court will likely recognize that stronger measures are needed to protect the victim. Repeated violations of a restraining order, particularly after a violent act like strangulation, indicate that the abuser is not stopping their violent behavior and may be preparing for even more dangerous actions. This increases the need for immediate intervention, such as increased law enforcement monitoring, stronger protective orders, and perhaps even criminal charges related to the violations or the violence itself.
7. Psychological Impact on the Victim
For the victim, this escalation can cause extreme fear, anxiety, and trauma. Knowing that the abuser has already attempted serious harm and is continuing to break legal boundaries is deeply unsettling. It creates an environment of constant fear, where the victim may feel that they cannot escape or be protected from further violence. This is why the court’s response to repeated violations after strangulation needs to be swift and decisive to ensure that the victim’s safety is the highest priority.
Conclusion:
The combination of strangulation and repeated violations of a restraining order signals an incredibly dangerous situation. Strangulation is already a clear indicator of potential lethal violence, and when paired with the abuser’s disregard for legal boundaries and their escalating behavior, it paints a very concerning picture for the victim’s safety. The court must take these signs seriously and consider stronger measures to protect the victim, including increased legal penalties for the abuser and potentially more stringent protective measures for the victim, such as relocation, increased monitoring, or enhanced orders of protection.
If you or someone you know is in this situation, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from law enforcement or a domestic violence support organization, as these signs of escalation indicate a serious and immediate threat to the victim’s safety.
