What is DV?

Know the Signs

Types of Abuse

The following illustrate abusive behaviors that reflect struggles for power and control in relationships. Adapted from the New York State Office of the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Physical

Physically injuring, or attempting to injure, a partner — for example, grabbing, punching, shoving, hitting, hair pulling, biting, arm twisting, kicking, hitting with blunt objects, stabbing, shooting, or strangling.
Withholding access to resources necessary to maintain health — for example, medication, medical care, wheelchair or other assistive device, food or fluids, sleep, hygienic assistance.
Forcing alcohol or other drug use.

Sexual

Forcing or attempting to force any sexual act without consent — for example, rape (including marital rape), forced sex after physical attack, attacks on the sexual parts of the body, forced prostitution or sex work, unprotected sex.
Attempting to undermine the victim’s sexuality — for example, treating them in a sexually derogatory manner, criticizing sexual performance, withholding sex as punishment, accusations of infidelity.

Psychological

Instilling fear — for example, intimidation, threatening physical harm to self, victim or others; gaslighting, threatening to harm or kidnap children, menacing, blackmail, harassment, destruction of property, threats or abuse to pets.
Outing a partner’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Telling the victim that no one will help them because of their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, ability level, or class.

Emotional

Undermining a person’s sense of self-worth — for example, constant criticism, belittling abilities, name-calling, insults, silent treatment, manipulating feelings to induce guilt or shame, repeatedly making and breaking promises.
Questioning a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity; reinforcing internalized homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia.

Financial

Making or attempting to make the victim financially dependent — for example, maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding money, forbidding attendance at school or work, on-the-job harassment, requiring justification for money spent, withholding information about family finances.

Your Safety Matters

If you are in danger, please call 911 or our SafeLine at (716) 558-SAFE (7233).

Call (716) 558-7233

A Critical Safety Issue

The Dangers of Strangulation

⚠️ Trigger Warning

The following information is not meant to scare, but to inform so that the Family Justice Center can help keep people safe. This content may be triggering to people who have been strangled.

One of the most serious and deadly forms of relationship abuse is strangulation. People who put their hands around their partner’s neck are very dangerous, and much more likely to seriously harm or kill their victim.

We care about your safety. If you have been strangled by your partner, contact the Family Justice Center at (716) 558-SAFE (7233) to talk to a domestic violence advocate about safety planning.

Strangulation vs. Choking: Key Differences

Strangulation

Pressure applied to the outside of the neck
Restricts blood and air getting to and from the brain
Usually intentional
Can cause serious physical injury or death, even after pressure ends

Choking (for comparison)

Airway blocked from the inside of the neck by food or another object
Usually accidental
Minimal potential for long-term physical injury after blockage is removed

Why Strangulation Is So Dangerous

An extremely dangerous and potentially deadly form of domestic violence
People who have been strangled are 7 times more likely to be killed by their intimate partner
Often minimized or undetected because there may be no visible injuries
A powerful tactic of control for abusers
Often used as part of sexual assault

What To Do If You Have Been Strangled

Call 911
Seek medical attention even if you do not think you have been injured
Call the Family Justice Center at (716) 558-SAFE (7233) to speak with an advocate about safety planning
Report the incident to law enforcement
Consider seeking an order of protection from Family Court
Take photographs of any injuries or visit the FJC’s Forensic Medical Unit to have injuries documented
Keep a log of signs and symptoms you experience in the days and weeks after the attack

Common Symptoms, Results & Signs

Common Symptoms

Fainting or unconsciousness
Dizziness
Voice changes or hoarseness
Trouble or painful swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Vision changes or blurred vision
Hearing changes, ringing, or buzzing
Restlessness, agitation, or hallucinations
Memory loss, confusion, and headaches
Short- or long-term brain injury

Strangulation Can Result In

Loss of consciousness within 5 to 10 seconds
Brain and nervous system injury
Emotional injury and lasting trauma
Death within 4 to 5 minutes
Injury to the body
Death in days or weeks after strangulation

Signs of Strangulation

Redness, scratches, bruises, or swelling under the chin or on the neck
Ligature marks from rope, cord, or fabric
Vomiting, coughing blood, or lung and throat damage
Pinpoint red spots on the scalp, face, eyes, or chest
Bloodshot eyes or a bloody nose
Bruising in the mouth, swollen lips, or tongue swelling
Miscarriage
Loss of bodily function

See a Doctor Immediately If…

You have a hard time breathing
It is painful to breathe
You have trouble swallowing
Your voice changes
You have problems speaking

We care about your safety. Strangulation can produce significant long-term consequences. If you have been strangled by your partner, contact the Family Justice Center to talk to a domestic violence advocate about safety planning.

7×

more likely to be killed by intimate partner

5–10 sec

to lose consciousness

4–5 min

strangulation can cause death

0 visible

injuries may exist — yet serious harm can still occur

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