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.

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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)