Episode 48: When Hands Become a Weapon: Understanding Non-Fatal Strangulation
Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence — yet many victims minimize it because there are often few or no visible marks. In this episode, Autumn breaks down what strangulation actually is, why it is medically dangerous, and why it is one of the strongest predictors of homicide in abusive relationships.
This episode explains:
The difference between choking and strangulation
How little pressure is required to stop blood flow to the brain
How quickly unconsciousness and death can occur
Why bruising often does not appear immediately — or at all
Short-term and long-term medical effects
How to document strangulation safely and discreetly
Why strangulation is treated as a high-lethality warning sign
If you have experienced strangulation — even once — your fear is valid. Your safety matters. Support exists, and you deserve to access it when you are ready.
🔗 Resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline — Call 1-800-799-7233 or chat at: https://www.thehotline.org
Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. (2022). Strangulation Fact Sheet. https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com
Journal of Emergency Medicine, 35(3), 329–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.05.042
Campbell, J.C., Webster, D., & Glass, N. (2009). The Danger Assessment: Validation of a lethality risk assessment instrument for intimate partner femicide. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(4), 653–674.
Wilbur, L., Higley, M., Hatfield, J., Surprenant, Z., Taliaferro, E., Smith, D. J., & Paolo, A. (2001). Survey results of women who have been strangled while in an abusive relationship. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 21(3), 297–302.
National Domestic Violence Hotline. Understanding Strangulation. https://www.thehotline.org/resources/understanding-strangulation/
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Clinical Guidelines
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