strangulation is one of the most serious and dangerous forms of domestic violence and is recognized as a key lethality risk factor. It is often a strong predictor of escalating violence and homicide in abusive relationships.
Why Strangulation is Extremely Dangerous in Domestic Violence Cases
- High Lethality Risk
- Victims of non-fatal strangulation are up to 7 times more likely to be murdered by their abuser later.
- Even if strangulation does not cause immediate death, it can lead to delayed fatal consequences, such as blood clots, brain damage, or stroke.
- Invisible but Life-Threatening Injuries
- Unlike other forms of violence, strangulation often leaves little to no visible marks, making it harder for victims to prove what happened.
- Internal injuries, such as swelling of the airway, brain damage, or carotid artery damage, can result in death hours or even days later.
- Sign of Escalating Control and Violence
- Strangulation is not just an act of violence—it is an assertion of control.
- Perpetrators often use strangulation as a warning, showing the victim that they have total control over their life and death.
- It is common in coercive control dynamics where an abuser wants to instill fear, compliance, and submission.
- Neurological and Psychological Effects
- Victims who survive strangulation often experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, PTSD, and long-term anxiety.
- Loss of oxygen for just a few seconds can cause permanent brain damage.
- Survivors may suffer from dizziness, loss of consciousness, or long-term difficulty breathing/swallowing.
How Law Enforcement & Courts View Strangulation
- Many countries, including Spain, the U.K., and the U.S., have started treating strangulation as a serious criminal offense.
- In some places, strangulation is considered attempted murder, even if no serious physical injuries are visible.
- In Spain, if strangulation occurs in a domestic violence case, it significantly increases the severity of the punishment under gender-based violence laws.
What to Do If Someone Has Been Strangled
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if there are no visible injuries.
- Document symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Report the incident to authorities, as it is a strong indicator of future lethal violence.
Strangulation is one of the biggest red flags in domestic violence cases. If it has happened, the risk of homicide or extreme violence is dangerously high, and urgent intervention is needed.
Would you like advice on safety planning or legal protection in cases involving strangulation?
