Strangulation and Domestic Violence: A Critical Warning Sign
Oct 09, 2025
Studies show that if someone is strangled by their partner, their chance of being killed by that partner goes up by 750% within the next year. This alarming fact shows how important it is to recognize strangulation as a serious warning sign that violence could get worse and become deadly.
What Is Strangulation? The Medical Impact
Strangulation happens when pressure is put on the neck or throat, cutting off air or blood flow. This can be done with hands, arms, or objects. It doesn’t take much force to cause harm. Someone can lose consciousness, or pass out, in just a few seconds, and death can happen within minutes.
Even if there are no clear marks, serious internal injuries may still be there. Strangulation can damage blood vessels, nerves, and the airway. Warning signs include trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing, along with nausea, headaches, or memory problems. Anyone with these symptoms needs medical help right away.
Why Strangulation Is So Dangerous
Strangulation is more than just physical harm. It is a way for one person to show control over another person’s ability to breathe. Beyond the immediate danger, strangulation is one of the strongest warning signs that a relationship could turn deadly.
Research shows that 45% of attempted homicides in domestic violence cases involve strangulation that did not cause death at the time. In one survey, 70% of people who were strangled thought they were going to die, and 38% said they lost consciousness. When strangulation happens more than once, the risk of being killed by that person becomes even higher.
Signs and Symptoms to Look For
Because strangulation may leave little visible evidence, it is important to recognize both external and internal warning signs.
Physical signs (if present): scratches or redness on the neck, bruises, swelling, fingernail marks, petechiae (tiny red spots on the face, eyes, or scalp), bloody nose, or swollen lips and tongue.
Behavioral and neurological changes: memory loss, confusion, trouble focusing, dizziness, headaches, or feeling restless.
Other symptoms: hoarse or raspy voice, trouble swallowing, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or loss of consciousness.
Even when marks are not obvious, anyone who experiences these symptoms after strangulation should seek immediate medical attention, as hidden injuries can be life-threatening.
The New Ohio Law
Until recently, Ohio was the only state that did not treat strangulation as a felony crime. That changed in April 2023, when a new law made strangulation its own offense in the Ohio Revised Code.
A felony is the most serious type of crime in the legal system. Felonies usually carry longer prison sentences and stronger penalties than misdemeanors (which are less serious crimes like minor theft or traffic violations). Under the new law, strangulation can now be charged as a second-, fourth-, or fifth-degree felony depending on the harm caused.
This law gives prosecutors stronger tools to hold people accountable and brings Ohio in line with every other state. Most importantly, it recognizes that strangulation in domestic violence is not a minor incident but a serious warning sign for possible homicide.
What Everyone Experiencing Abuse Should Know
It is important to get medical care right away after strangulation, even if no marks are showing.
Bruises or redness may not appear until days later, so it can help to keep track of changes. Writing down what happened or taking photos, if it feels safe, can provide useful records.
Reaching out to support services is also important. Advocates can help with safety planning, medical care, and legal guidance.
Strangulation is not just an assault. It is a strong warning sign that danger is getting worse. Knowing the signs, understanding the risks, and using the protections offered by Ohio law are important steps toward safety. Everyone deserves a relationship that is free from violence, fear, and control.
No one should face this danger alone, and resources are available to help.
Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury: 1-800-934-9840
Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453
The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH): 1-614-722-8200
Alena Schuckmann is the Digital Communications Specialist for The Center for Family Safety and Healing. Alena graduated with a degree in communications and a minor in art from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Alena is a skilled digital content creator who has had various articles and photographs published locally and nationwide.
All Topics
Browse by Author
About this Blog
Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center
700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.
