BY THE LOS ALAMOS VICTIM ADVOCATE

Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of physical abuse in an intimate partner relationship. It occurs when pressure is applied to a person’s neck, restricting their ability to breathe or cutting off blood flow to the brain. Even if a victim does not lose consciousness or show visible injuries, strangulation can cause serious internal damage and may be life threatening.

One of the greatest dangers of strangulation is that injuries are often invisible. A person may have little or no bruise while still suffering damage to the throat, blood vessels, or brain. Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, or trouble breathing may not appear until hours or even days after the assault. Because these symptoms can be delayed, anyone who has experienced strangulation should seek immediate medical evaluation, even if they feel fine.

Research has shown that strangulation is a significant predictor of future violence in abusive relationships. When an abusive partner uses strangulation, the risk of escalating violence, including homicide, increases significantly. Any act of strangulation should be treated as a serious warning sign and never ignored.

The effects of strangulation are not only physical. Survivors often experience emotional and psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and fear of future abuse. These emotional wounds can last long after physical injuries have healed and may require counseling or other mental health support.

It is also important to understand that strangulation is an act of power and control. In many abusive relationships, it is used to intimidate, silence, and terrorize a partner. The act sends a chilling message that the abuser can take the victim’s life, making it one of the most frightening and dangerous forms of domestic violence.

If someone experiences strangulation during an abusive incident, they should seek emergency medical care immediately, even if they feel well. Medical professionals can evaluate for hidden injuries, provide appropriate treatment, and document the assault, which may be important in future legal proceedings. If it is safe to do so, the survivor should also consider contacting law enforcement, a domestic violence advocate, or a trusted friend or family member for support.

Communities play a vital role in preventing this form of violence by increasing awareness educating people about the warning signs of abuse, supporting survivors, and holding offenders accountable. Healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations all have an important role in recognizing the seriousness of strangulation and responding appropriately.

Strangulation is never a normal part of a relationship. It is a severe act of violence that requires immediate medical attention and should always be taken seriously. By understanding the risks, recognizing the warning signs, and responding quickly, lives can be protected and survivors can receive the care and support they deserve.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please reach out to a trained domestic violence advocate or crisis service.

Resources
 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
 New Mexico Crisis Line: 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474)
 Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico: 1-505-753-1656
 Esperanza Shelter: Toll-Free 1-888-473-5312 | Local: 1-505-416-7184
 Los Alamos Victim Assistance Program: 1-505-663-3511
 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, Text, or Chat 988