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Abstract: 

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, non-fatal strangulation has emerged as a silent epidemic. While victims may have no visible external injuries, they will likely have some symptoms of an internal injury that could range from minor to life-threatening harm, including vocal cord damage, a fractured hyoid bone, traumatic brain injury, or injury to their arteries (carotid or vertebral) or veins that could lead to stroke and eventually death. Research shows that most victims are unaware of the health consequences from being choked, and often minimize the abuse. More frightening is that many medical professionals are as unaware as law enforcement and other professionals tend to be. This article updates our current knowledge on the harmful effects of strangulation, and explores ways in which health care and law enforcement professionals can identify and mitigate its lethal impact.

Keywords: Long-Term Medical and Mental Health Issues from Strangulation Assaults

Affiliations:  1: Alliance for HOPE International; 2: Alliance for HOPE International.