Domestic Violence and the Symptoms 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 symptoms of strangulation and seek/encourage medical attention as soon as possible.
According to the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, the following symptoms can be indicators that someone has been strangled:
VOICE CHANGES raspy and/or hoarse voice, coughing, unable to speak, complete loss of voice;
SWALLOWING CHANGES trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, drooling;
BREATHING CHANGES difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, unable to breathe;
BEHAVIORAL CHANGES restlessness or combativeness, problems concentrating, amnesia, agitation, Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome, hallucinations;
VISION CHANGES complete loss or black & white vision, “seeing stars,” blurry, darkness, fuzzy around the eyes;
HEARING CHANGES complete loss of hearing, gurgling, ringing, buzzing, popping, pressure, tunnel-like hearing; and/or
OTHER CHANGES memory loss, unconsciousness, dizziness, headaches, involuntary urination or defecation, loss of strength, going limp.
Whether or not a victim seeks medical attention, they should monitor the symptoms they experience. Victims can fill out a log, documenting the date, time, and description of symptoms. 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.
Suggested Citation for this Article
Glenn, K.M., Criminal Justice Know How, LLC, 2020, Domestic Violence and the Symptoms of Strangulation, https://criminaljusticeknowhow.com/domestic-violence-and-the-symptoms-of-strangulation/
