Because such a thin line exists between unconsciousness and death, strangulation sits just before homicide on the continuum of domestic violence risk assessment. Over the past 20 years , prosecutors and physicians have paid closer attention to the serious danger caused by strangulation, and strangulation is now recognized as one of the most lethal forms of violence.
Since , criminal laws reflecting the severity of strangulation have passed in at least 45 states in the US. Depending on state law, strangulation can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony , but can also be coupled with attempted homicide charges based on the severity. Strangulation can lead to serious physical and psychological health problems. Common visible signs of strangulation include petechiae red spots in the eyes, blood-red eyes, swollen lips, and cord, rope burns, scratches, and bruising particularly on the neck.
When someone is being strangled, they will often try to regain control of their airway, by trying to pry the hands of the perpetrator off of them which can leave injuries on their neck and also leave the assailant with scratch marks or injuries on their face and hands.
Strangulation may also coincide with other forms of domestic violence that leave bruising due to kicking, hitting, or pushing down the stairs.
Just because a victim lacks any external signs of strangulation does not mean that they are not injured. A victim may suffer from internal injuries that do not appear on the outside. Immediately after the attack , the person may experience intense pain, vision changes, ringing in the ears, a swollen tongue, cuts in the mouth, swelling of the neck, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, or voice and throat changes. The victim may also experience neurological damage due to a lack of oxygen flow to the brain.
These symptoms can include memory loss, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and extreme weakness. Strangulation may cause long-term health consequences. The victim may also suffer from PTSD, depression, suicidal ideations, memory problems, nightmares, anxiety, severe stress reaction, amnesia, and psychosis.
Ask the doctor to document any injuries for future reference and potentially as evidence. You can order a free pamphlet or print off a pdf with this information and references here.
I have Been Strangled or Choked. Strangulation is very dangerous Strangulation is when pressure is applied on or around the neck with enough force to stop someone breathing, which means that no oxygen or blood is flowing to the brain. Many people who have been strangled describe four stages of thought while it is happening: Denial: An almost out-of-body experience.
Realisation: Realisation that they are being strangled quickly overcomes denial. Primal: A vigorous struggle ensues in an attempt to preserve airway and life. If your doctor told you how to care for any cuts on your neck, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice: Wash the cut with clean water 2 times a day.
Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed. For example, call if: You passed out lost consciousness. You have a seizure. You have symptoms of a brain injury, such as: Changes in thinking.
Changes in movement or feeling. You think that you or someone you know is in danger of being abused. You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have new or worse trouble breathing. You have new or worse trouble swallowing. You cough up blood. You have new or increased weakness or numbness in your arms.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: You have problems with depression or other mental health issues. You do not get better as expected. Current as of: October 19,
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