STRANGULATION

STRANGULATION

Strangulation is knowingly or intentionally impeding the breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying pressure on the throat or neck of the other person.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU?

  • “It’s your fault.”
  • “Don’t wear that.”
  • “You should be grateful you have me.”
  • “Do you think anyone else
    would want you?”
  • “You would be nothing without me.”
  • “Why are you spending so much money?”
  • “You can’t go there without me.”

DID YOU KNOW?

  • 7 to 10 seconds is the average time to unconsciousness
  • 15 seconds of strangulation can lead to brain infarct (stroke)
  • 1-30 seconds of strangulation can lead to cardiac arrest
  • 4 to 5 minutes of strangulation can lead to brain death

Recognize the signs

  • Voice Changes - hoarseness or complete loss of voice
  • Swallowing - difficulty due to pain
  • Breathing - labored or hyperventilation
  • Vision - impaired or complete loss of eyesight
  • Behavioral - agitation, impulsiveness, difficulty concentrating, PTSD
  • Hearing - impaired or complete loss of hearing
  • Other - headaches, dizziness, memory loss

KNOW THE FACTS

  • Strangulation is a significant predictor for future lethal violence.
  • If your partner has strangled you in the past, your risk of being killed by them is 10 times higher.
  • Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence - unconsciousness may occur within seconds, and death within minutes.

How to Survive Strangulation

  • Try to stay calm!
  • Protect your airway. If possible, try something called the “turtle shell technique” where you tuck your chin down and raise your shoulders up to help support your neck.
  • Once released, try to escape from your abuser and call 911 before a second strangulation attempt is made.
  • As a last resort, you can try collapsing and going limp, giving the impression your abuser succeeded, in order to hopefully release
    their grip.


Always seek medical attention after a strangulation attempt, even if you feel like you haven’t suffered any lasting effects. There may be internal injuries that aren’t visible. 

How to Survive Strangulation

  • Try to stay calm!
  • Protect your airway. If possible, try something called the “turtle shell technique” where you tuck your chin down and raise your shoulders up to help support your neck.
  • Once released, try to escape from your abuser and call 911 before a second strangulation attempt is made.
  • As a last resort, you can try collapsing and going limp, giving the impression your abuser succeeded, in order to hopefully release
    their grip.


Always seek medical attention after a strangulation attempt, even if you feel like you haven’t suffered any lasting effects. There may be internal injuries that aren’t visible. 

THE SEXUALIZATION OF STRANGULATION 

  • This type has several motivations:
  • Some found the feeling of power to be erotic
  • An increased level of trust with partner
  • Finding choking to be erotic
  • Viewing their partner as being sexy for wanting to try it (something new)
  • Curiosity
  • Pleasure in the risk or the feeling of panic
  • Heightened feeling of pleasure during orgasm
  • Some find submissiveness to an aggressive partner to heighten arousal



Beware of the dangers!

  • Orbital subperiosteal hematoma
  • Heart attack
  • Aspiration
  • Damaged larynx
  • Brain damage

For help please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

Share by: