(Posted 2026 November)
November is Strangulation Awareness Month. This serious form of violence leaves lasting harm even when evidence from it can’t be seen. Strangulation can happen during intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and other forms of physical abuse. It is not a minor assault; it is a dangerous act of control which can lead to death.
Facts
- Strangulation is the restriction of a person’s breathing, restricting blood flow to the brain or the flow of air through the throat.
- Oxygen deprivation causes brain damage in seconds, and death can occur within 1 to 3 minutes.
- Three body systems are directly impacted: respiratory, circulatory, and nervous.
- Strangulation differs from choking or suffocation since these two consist of depriving a person of air by preventing their normal breathing process.
- Survivors who experience strangulation are at significantly increased risk (as much as 10 times more) of being killed by the same partner.
- Of high-risk victims, 80 percent will suffer near-fatal or fatal strangulation at the hands of their partner.
- From 2010 to 2020, strangulation was the second-most common cause of homicide for women killed by men.
- Strangulation can have psychological and neurological impacts, including anxiety, depression, memory problems, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries. Though many people associate strangulation with obvious signs of injury-- bruising, redness, or marks around the neck--visible injuries may be minimal or nonexistent. But an estimated 92 percent of people who have been strangled have suffered some form of TBI.
- When a person does have physical evidence of strangulation, it may show up as difficulty breathing or swallowing, neck pain, a hoarse voice, dizziness, headaches, and changes in vision. Some of these symptoms may take days or weeks to appear, making it especially important to seek medical attention after any strangulation incident, even if the person feels okay.
Recognizing Symptoms
Strangulation is a medical emergency, even when there injuries aren’t visible. If you have experienced pressure to the neck, seek immediate medical evaluation. Call 911 if you have difficulty breathing, lose consciousness, are confused, or develop other severe symptoms.
Strangulation Awareness Month reminds us that what cannot be seen can still be life threatening. Education can help us recognize warning signs, understand the seriousness of neck compression, and respond appropriately when someone needs help.
Talking about strangulation, supporting survivors, and encouraging access to medical care and domestic violence resources can help communities prevent further harm. Every conversation can increase understanding, challenge misconceptions, and maybe save a life.
Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division supports adults, teens, and children who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Services are confidential, free, and provided regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 for resources and support. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
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