October is Domestic violence awareness month Domestic Violence involving Strangulation (Choking) Today, we know unequivocally that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. Strangulation is, in fact, one of the best predictors for the subsequent homicide of victims of domestic violence. One study showed that “the odds of becoming an attempted homicide increased by about seven-fold for women who had been strangled by their partner” (Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2008). Victims may have no visible injuries whatsoever, yet because of underlying brain damage due to the lack of oxygen during the strangulation assault, they may have serious internal injuries or die days, even weeks later. Strangulation has only recently been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. When domestic violence perpetrators choke (strangle) their victims, not only is it a felonious assault, but it may be an attempted homicide. Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control, where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim’s next breath; having devastating psychological effects or a potentially fatal outcome. Sober and conscious victims of strangulation will first feel terror and severe pain. If strangulation persists, unconsciousness will follow. Before lapsing into unconsciousness, a strangulation victim may resist violently, which could lead to producing injuries of their own neck in an effort to claw off the assailant, and may also lead to producing injury on the face or hands to their assailant. These defensive injuries may not be present if the victim is physically or chemically restrained before the assault. (Strangulation Training Institute) If you are in a relationship where strangulation is a form of abuse used to exert power and control over you, PLEASE SEEK HELP. Studies show that each time strangulation is used by an abuser, your chances of being killed by said abuser goes up by 800%. Even victims of abuse who escape with their lives can have permanent issues caused by previous strangulations. If you are in a violent situation and need help, questions answered, or resources please call the Arizona Coalition against Domestic Violence at 1-800-729-6400, Holbrook Police Dept at 928-524-3991, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office at 928-524-4750, or if in immediate danger please dial 911.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:56:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015