Domestic Violence and the Signs of Strangulation

by Kelly M. Glenn

For a number of reasons, victims of domestic violence often attempt to hide the fact that they are in an abusive relationship, but for the observant person who is educated about the signs and symptoms, it may be easy to spot. This is particularly helpful for domestic violence victims who experience strangulation, as the victim may not realize how potentially lethal this abusive behavior is.

Strangulation can have short and long-term side effects, and it is a leading predictor for a domestic violence fatality. Victims and people who are close to victims should be on the lookout for signs of strangulation and seek/encourage medical attention as soon as possible.

According to the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, the following physical signs can be indicators that someone has been strangled. A telling physical sign that can show up in several places is called “petechiae.” Petechiae are tiny purple, red, or brown spots on the skin that are formed when small blood vessels break open.:

HEAD petechiae on the scalp, hair pulled, bump(s), skull fracture, concussion;

FACE petechiae, red or flushed, scratch marks;

EYES and EYELIDS petechiae to the left or right eyeball, bloodshot eyes;

EAR petechiae (external and/or ear canal), bleeding from ear canal;

NOSE petechiae, bloody nose, broken nose;

MOUTH bruising, swollen tongue, swollen lips, cuts/abrasions;

UNDER THE CHIN redness, scratch marks, bruise(s), abrasions;

NECK redness, scratch marks, fingernail impressions, bruise(s), abrasions, swelling, ligature marks; and/or

CHEST and SHOULDERS redness, scratch marks, bruise(s), abrasions.

Forensic Nurse Examiners are specially trained medical professionals who can assess and document these types of injuries. They are also trained to testify in court, if a victim were to move forward in a criminal or civil case against the abuser.

Whether or not a victim seeks medical attention, they should monitor the signs they experience. Victims can fill out a log, documenting the date, time, and description of signs. A log can be useful for future medical appointments and/or court, if a victim moves forward in the criminal or civil justice systems.

PLEASE NOTE: Victims should be mindful of the risks of storing logs where an abuser may find them.

Sources

Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. Vital Facts for Victims of Strangulation, 2016, www.familyjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Adult-Strangulation-Brochure-Template-2020-.pdf.