Non-fatal strangulation is a criminal offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and relates to any strangulation that has not killed the victim.
Strangulation is defined as obstruction or compression of the blood vessels on the victim’s airway that prevents normal breathing and circulation to the blood.
Often, abusers use non-fatal strangulation to instil fear to the victim, and to exert power and control over victims. Strangulation and suffocation are often part of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Domestic abuse charity, Safelives, estimates that more than 20,000 of all genders experience strangulation every year in the UK. Furthermore, 1 in 4 women are accessing domestic abuse services are refuges, reporting this form of abuse. Therefore, it is important that we work together to recognise and report domestic abuse so that we can offer the support and help to victims that they need and deserve.
When a victim has been strangled, often there are no indicators. However, they are some visible signs you can look out for, that may be different from what you would expect. These include, but are not limited to:
- Ringing in ears
- Small red spots on earlobe
- Bruising from behind the ear
- Bleeding from the ear
- Swollen tongue or lips
- Small red spots from bleeding inside the mouth
- Redness, scratch marks and finger nail impressions on the neck
- Bruising made by thumbs or fingers on the neck
- Swelling on the neck
- Chest pain, bruising, abrasions and redness on the chest
- Facial dropping
- Swelling and redness on the face
- Small red spots on the face
- Droopy eyelids, bloodshot eyes and vision changes
- Bump on the head (from blunt force trauma or falling to the ground)
Strangulation can also cause harmful long-term effects, including but not limited to:
- Memory loss
- PTSD
- Neurological damage
- Fear, anxiety and suicidal thoughts
- Loss of consciousness, increasing risk of stroke and miscarriage
If you feel you are a victim of domestic abuse, please do not hesitate to reach out on any of the contact numbers provided below to access the help, support and protection that you deserve.
Here at Ringrose Law, we offer a 24-Hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 07739 748675. Alternatively, you can email to access the support you need.
National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070 or alternatively text “NCDV” to 60777.
Lincolnshire Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency