Domestic Violence and 5 Myths about Strangulation
by Kelly M. Glenn
Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence, and it’s one of the most misunderstood. Below are five misconceptions, or myths, about strangulation according to the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention.
Strangulation and choking are the same thing.
Choking occurs internally when something gets lodged in the throat, blocking the airway and impeding breathing. With few exceptions, choking is mostly accidental and is caused by the person who is choking.
Strangulation occurs externally when pressure to or on the throat impedes breathing and/or the circulation of blood. With few exceptions, strangulation is mostly intentional and happens at the hands of another.
Strangulation always leaves visible injuries.
Many victims of strangulation lack visible external injury or do not have a visible injury every time it happens. Strangulation without external injuries can still be fatal.
If the victim can speak, scream, or breathe, they are not being strangled.
“Since strangulation involves obstruction of blood flow, a person can have complete obstruction and continue breathing until the moment they die from lack of oxygenated blood flow to the brain.”1
Strangulation cannot be harmful because many people practice it, such as people and organizations that teach or use strangleholds for self-defense.
Strangulation, even when used as a form of self-defense, is still harmful to the person being strangled. Training exercises in self-defense, which may legitimize strangulation, are also still harmful.
Strangulation victims should be able to detail their attack.
A victim’s ability to recall a incident of strangulation can be affected by the mental/emotional trauma of being strangled and the brain’s physical response to the lack of oxygen it receives during the strangulation. Victims may not be able to provide details that are helpful during an investigation or medical treatment.
Strangulation can have short and long-term side effects. Victims and people who are close to victims should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of strangulation and seek/encourage medical attention as soon as possible.
Sources
1Fineman, G. and Green, W., Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, 2016, 5 Myths about Strangulation, www.familyjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Adult-Strangulation-Brochure-Template-2020-.pdf.
Suggested Citation for this Article
Glenn, K.M., Criminal Justice Know How, LLC, 2020, Domestic Violence and 5 Myths about Strangulation, https://criminaljusticeknowhow.com/domestic-violence-and-5-myths-about-strangulation/
