I’m often asked:
“What’s the difference between strangulation and choking?”
And the truth is — there’s a huge difference.
While these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation — even in the media — they are not the same thing. In fact, confusing the two can be incredibly dangerous, especially for survivors of domestic violence.
🚫 Let’s be clear: Choking is accidental.
Strangulation is intentional.
- Choking happens when something gets stuck in the airway — food, an object, etc. It’s a blockage that makes it hard to breathe. Think of someone gasping at a dinner table and needing the Heimlich maneuver. That’s choking.
- Strangulation, on the other hand, is when someone deliberately applies pressure to another person’s neck, restricting blood flow or airflow — with their hands, a cord, a belt, or even their body weight. It is not accidental. It is a form of lethal violence.
⚖️ Strangulation is a CRIME.
And in many countries — including parts of the UK, US, Australia, and Europe — it is treated as a felony or serious indictable offence, especially in domestic abuse cases.
Why? Because:
- It can cause unconsciousness in seconds
- It can cause brain damage in minutes
- It can result in death — even without leaving visible marks
Yes — it often leaves no external bruising, which is why it’s frequently minimized or missed by first responders and even victims themselves.
🧠Why Language Matters:
When we call it “choking,” we risk diluting the severity and criminal nature of the act.
“Choking” sounds accidental.
“Strangulation” is deliberate, dangerous, and controlling.
Survivors may say “he choked me” because they don’t have the words or knowledge to describe it more accurately — especially in countries where the language conflates the two. But it’s crucial that we as professionals, advocates, and the public know the difference.
đź’” Strangulation is often a Red Flag for Homicide
Studies show that victims of non-fatal strangulation are up to 7x more likely to be killed by their partner later.
It is one of the strongest predictors of future lethal violence in intimate partner abuse.
This is not just rough behavior. This is a warning sign.
And it should always be taken seriously — even if it “only happened once.”
âś… What to Do if You or Someone You Know Has Been Strangled:
- Seek immediate medical attention — even if you feel okay. Internal injuries can be hidden and deadly.
- Document the event (photos, voice notes, journal).
- Report it to a medical or legal professional using the word “strangled” not “choked.”
- Contact a domestic abuse support organization — many now understand the serious risk strangulation presents.
Words carry weight. Let’s use the right ones.
Because no one deserves to be silenced — by hands, by fear, or by language.
