Strangulation

Why It's Dangerous

If you are ever choked or strangled, it can be a terrifying and life-threatening experience. Even if you don’t see any marks, serious internal injuries may occur and worsen over the next few days. Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic abuse and one of the strongest predictors of future homicide.

Survivors who experience non-fatal strangulation by a partner are 7.5 times more likely to be killed by that partner in the future.

If this has happened to you, please know that you are not alone and there are people available to support you.

Go to the Emergency Room Immediately if you Notice:

  • Difficulty breathing or any pain or discomfort breathing
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Changes in your voice
  • Problems speaking
  • Feeling faint, weak, or dizzy

What is Strangulation?

Strangulation happens when someone blocks your ability to breathe or cuts off blood flow by putting pressure on your neck or throat, or by covering your nose or mouth.

If your partner has ever put their hands around your neck, put you in a “sleeper hold,” or wrapped anything like a scarf, necklace, belt, or rope around your neck, you have experienced strangulation. In Louisiana, strangulation is legally defined as intentionally impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying pressure to their throat or neck, or by blocking their nose or mouth.

Invisable Symptoms

Because strangulation doesn’t always leave visible marks, the danger is often overlooked. Survivors may experience:

  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Memory problems or confusion
  • Dizziness, headaches, or loss of consciousness
  • Bloodshot eyes from broken capillaries
  • Neck pain, tenderness, or swelling

Even without bruising or loss of consciousness (passing out), strangulation can cause long-term injuries and permanent damage.

What to Do Next

  • Seek medical care right away. Emergency doctors can check for internal injuries that may not be visible. You can seek medical treatment without reporting to the police and medical treatment is always kept confidential between you and your provider.
    • The University Medical Center Forensic Program is available 24/7 through UMC's Emergency Department on the second floor of the hospital, located at 2000 Canal Street. For more information, click here.

 

  • Create a safety plan. Advocates can help you think through steps to reduce risk and increase your safety. You can create your own here if you are not feeling ready ready to talk to an advocate.

 

  • Reach out for support. You are not alone – resources in New Orleans are here to help.
    • For immediate assistance, call the New Orleans Family Justice Center’s 24/7 Crisis Line at (504) 866-9554.

Need Help Now?

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

For the Louisiana Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, call (888) 411-1333.

For local support with domestic violence, call the New Orleans Family Justice Center 24/7 Crisis Line at (504) 866-9554.

You can also contact the Louisiana 988 helpline for free, confidential emotional support available 24/7. Simply call or text 988 or chat online at Louisiana988.org.