“Victims of domestic Someone who violence who have been has been choked or strangled are 8 times more likely to be strangled could: killed by their partner.” * DOMESTIC Lose consciousness within 5-10 VIOLENCE seconds. Die within 4-5 minutes. Don’t wait. STRANGULATION Die days or weeks after Seek help today. (CHOKING) strangulation from associated injuries or respiratory complications. Contact the Domestic Violence o Acute Respiratory Distress Prevention Officers or the Victim Syndrome (ARDS) Advocates at your local precinct or PSA. o Pneumonia o Embolization For emergencies, dial “911.” Have you ever been strangled or choked? Experience permanent damage to Visit www.nyc.gov/nychope the brain and the body. Call the 24-hour NYC Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (800) 621-HOPE (4673) Suffer emotional trauma. TTY: 1 (866) 604-5350 * Nancy Glass et al., Non-Fatal Strangulation Is an Important Risk Factor for Homicide of Women, 35, Journal of Emergency Medicine, 329 (2008). Don’t wait. Seek help today. Know the signs. Don’t wait. Seek help. Visible Signs SIGNS of Strangulation Head: pinpoint red spots (petechiae) on scalp, pulled hair, bump(s), 10 Things You skull fracture, concussion Face: red or flushed, petechiae, scratch marks Can Do Eyes & Eyelids: petechiae to the left or right eyeball, bloodshot eyes Nose: bloody nose, broken nose, petechiae Immediately Following an Attack Mouth: bruising, swollen tongue, swollen lips, cuts/abrasions 1. Call “911.” Report the incident to the police. If needed, Under the Chin: redness, scratch marks, bruise(s), request an ambulance. abrasions 2. See a doctor, even if you think you haven’t been injured. Chest & Shoulders: redness, scratch marks, bruise(s), 3. Take photos of any injuries. abrasions 4. Write down any signs or symptoms you are experiencing. SYMPTOMS of Strangulation Days and Weeks Later Voice: raspy and/or hoarse voice, inability to speak Swallowing: trouble swallowing, neck pain, coughing, 5. Contact the Domestic Violence Prevention Officers at nausea/vomiting, drooling your local precinct or PSA. They are specially trained to Illustration by Yesenia Aceves provide assistance and safety planning to victims of Breathing: difficulty with controlling breathing, domestic violence. hyperventilation 6. Contact the Victim Advocates at your local precinct or Remember, sometimes there are no Behavior: restlessness or combativeness, problems PSA. They can help you access resources and services to concentrating, amnesia, agitation, Post-traumatic Stress visible signs of strangulation. keep you safe. Syndrome 7. Consider obtaining an Order of Protection. Vision: blurred, or complete loss of vision, black & white If you have been choked or strangled, vision, “seeing stars,” darkness, hallucinations 8. Continue to keep a log of any symptoms you are experiencing. you can receive help, Hearing: partial or complete loss of hearing, ringing, buzzing, popping, increased pressure within ear canal, 9. Call the 24-hour NYC Domestic Violence Hotline: even without visible signs. “tunnel-like” hearing 1 (800) 621-HOPE (4673). Other: memory loss, unconsciousness, dizziness, 10. Remember that strangulation or threat of strangulation is Help is always available. headaches, involuntary urination or defecation, loss of never “okay” and never your fault. strength, fatigue .