non-lethal
strangulation
Did you know?
Strangulation has recently been identified as one of the deadliest forms of domestic violence and is recognised as the most accurate predictor of eventual death from DFV.
It has been estimated that approximately 68% of DFV victims who are seeking medical assistance at hospitals, safety at shelter and protections from law enforcement, have been victims of non-fatal strangulation.
Strangulation is defined as reduced blood flow and/or air flow to or from the brain due to intentional external compression to the neck and/or throat.
Legal implications.
Section 315A of the Criminal Code (Qld) provides that a person commits a crime if the person unlawfully chokes, suffocates or strangles another person, without the other person’s consent; and either the person is in a domestic relationship with the other person; or the choking, suffocation or strangulation is associated domestic violence under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012.
The offence of strangulation was introduced on 5 May 2016 following a recommendation made by the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland. In its report, the Taskforce found that strangulation was a key predictor of domestic homicide, and an appropriate penalty should be applied to account for this increased risk of subsequent escalation to the victim.
Section 315A provides that a person who commits the offence of strangulation is liable to a maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment.
Non-immediate risks.
Psychological injury
PTSD, depression, suicidal ideation, memory problems, nightmares, anxiety, severe
stress reaction, amnesia, and psychosis
Increased risk of murder
Survivors of Domestic & Family Violence who have experienced non-lethal strangulation are 7.5 times more likely to be killed by their violent partner/ex-partner
Delayed fatality
Death can occur days or weeks after the attack due to carotid artery dissection and
respiratory complications such as pneumonia, ARDS and the risk of blood clots traveling to the brain (embolization)
0
6.8
14
15
30
62-157
seconds
Pressure on carotid arteries.
seconds
Adult male rendered unconscious.
seconds
Anoxic seizure.
seconds
Loss of bladder control.
seconds
Loss of bowel control.
Death.
seconds
Psychological timeline.
This seconds to minutes timeline is based on data the Strangulation Institute.
Signs & symptoms.
Neurological.
Loss of memory
Loss of consciousness
Fainting
Urination
Defecation
Difficulty speaking
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headaches
Loss of sensation
Behavioural changes
Extremity weakness
Scalp & face.
Petechiae
Bald spots (from hair being pulled)
Bump to the head (from blunt force trauma or falling)
Scratch marks
Facial drooping
Swelling
*Petechiae are tiny purple, red or brown spots on the skin due to bleeding under the skin.
Neck & chest.
Chest pain
Redness
Abrasions
Swelling
Ligature marks
Redness
Scratch marks
Finger nail impressions
Bruising (thumb or fingers)
Eyes & ears.
Petechiae to eyeball
Petechiae to eyelid
Bloody red eyeball(s)
Vision changes
Ringing in ears
Petechiae on earlobe(s)
Bruising behind ear(s)
Bleeding in ear(s)
Droopy eyelid (s)
Voice & throat.
Raspy or hoarse voice
Unable to speak
Painful or difficulty swallowing
Clearing throat
Drooling
Sore throat
Stridor
Bruising
Nausea
Coughing
Breathing changes
& mouth.
Difficulty breathing
Respiratory distress
Unable to breathe
Swollen tongue/lips
Cuts/abrasions
Internal petechiae
References.
Criminal Law (Domestic Violence) Amendment Bill (No. 20). (2016). Queensland, Australia.
Department of Child Safety, Youth & Women. (2015). Not Now, Not Ever. Putting an end to domestic and family violence in Queensland. Queensland, Australia: DCSYW. Retrieved from https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/campaign/end-domestic-family-violence/about/not-now-not-ever-report.
Douglas, H., & Fitzgerald R. (2014). Strangulation, Domestic Violence, and the Legal Response. Sydney Law Review, 36, 231-254.
Hyam, R. (2019). Almost 500 strangulation prosecutions in Queensland since 2016, report reveals. ABC News. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05- 22/strangulation-offences-domestic-violence-cases-law-queensland/11135914.
Joshi, M., Thomas, K. A., Sorenson, S. B. (2012). “I didn’t know I could turn colors”: Health problems and health care experiences of women strangled by an intimate partner. Social Work in Health Care, 51, 798–814. doi:10.1080/00981389.2012.692352
Pritchard, A, J., Reckdenwald, A., Nordham, C. (2017). Nonfatal Strangulation as Part of Domestic Violence: A Review of Research. Trauma Violence Abuse, 18, 407-424. doi: 10.1177/1524838015622439
Shields, B. E. L., Corey, S. T., Weakley-Jones, B., & Stewart, D. (2010). Living Victims of Strangulation A 10-Year Review of Cases in a Metropolitan Community. The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology, 31, 320-325. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181d3dc02
Strack, B. G., McClane, E. G., & Hawley, D. (2001). Violence: Recognition, Management, and Prevention. A review of 300 attempted strangulation cases part 1: Criminal legal issues. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 21, 303-309. doi: 10.1016/S0736-4679(01)00399-7
Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. (2017). Investigation Domestic Violence Strangulation. Retrieved from https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/investigating-domestic-violencestrangulation/.
Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. (2019). Physiological Consequences of Strangulation Seconds To Minute Timeline. Retrieved from https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Physiological-Consequences-of-Strangulation-Seconds-to-Minute-Timeline-v6.18.19.pdf.
Vella, S. A., Miller, M. M., Lambert, J, E., &. Morgan, M. L. (2017). “I Felt Close to Death”: A phenomenological study of female strangulation survivors of intimate terrorism. Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, 29, 171-188. doi: 10.1080/08952833.2017.1370572
do you need support?
The Centre for Women & Co.
Men & Co. Services
centreforwomen.org.au 07 3050 3060
menandcoservices.org.au 07 3439 8640