Facts You Deserve to Know

In working with victims of domestic violence in assisting them with competing paperwork for an Order of Protection, Legal Advocates report there has been an increase in reports of many cases where the individual has been strangled by their abuser. Does any of this sound familiar or do you know someone who is experiencing any of these symptoms?

Has your partner ever put their hands around your neck, put you in a “sleeper hold” or used anything else to strangle you like a scarf, necklace, belt, rope, etc.?

Strangulation can be very serious!

Symptoms of strangulation include:

a sore throat

difficulty swallowing

neck pain

hoarseness

bruising on the neck or behind your ears

discoloration on your tongue

ringing in your ears

bloodshot eyes

dizziness

memory loss

drooling

nausea or vomiting

difficulty breathing

incontinence

a seizure

a miscarriage

changes in mood or personality, like agitation or aggression

changes in sleep patterns

changes in vision, such as blurriness or seeing double

fainted or lost consciousness

It’s possible to experience strangulation and show no symptoms at first but die weeks later because of brain damage due to lack of oxygen and other internal injuries. For this reason, and for a safe way to document the abuse, it is strongly recommended one consider seeing a doctor if your partner has strangled you.

Facts You Deserve to Know

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.

Teri Ducy, Director

Domestic Violence Program

Dove's local county hotline number are answered 24/7.

Macon 217.423.2238

DeWitt 217.935.6072

Shelby 217.774.4888

Moultrie 217.728.9334

Piatt 217.762.2122

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