Make a record whether you have reported the strangulation to the police or seen a doctor about it or not, it will still be useful for you to keep a record of any symptoms or injuries that you notice. This will help in several ways:
- It will help you decide if you need to get more medical help.
- It may be useful evidence in a prosecution.
- It will help you make sense of what has happened, physically and emotionally.
Sometimes victims start to think that they have imagined some of what has happened. It is useful to be able to read over the record or diary that you made and realise that what happened to you was real and was serious.
When should I to seek help?
Immediately – strangulation is dangerous and can lead to death very quickly. If you have been a victim of strangulation, you should get medical help as soon as possible even if you are not sure about reporting to the police. If your brain has been starved of oxygen it is normal for you to be confused. Your memory will not be clear about what has happened. You may be embarrassed that you have wet or soiled yourself. This is a serious sign that your brain was starved of oxygen and not something to be embarrassed about. The attacker uses strangulation to control the victim. They know how scary strangulation is, and they use that fear to control the victim. If you feel that you are in this situation, you should get help as soon as possible, as the next attack may end up being deadly.
In the first few days – if you notice worsening symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, weakness or confusion, seek immediate medical help, even if you have already been seen by a doctor. Some of the effects of strangulation, such as swelling around the windpipe or strokes, are not obvious at first and worsen with time. If in doubt seek help.
In the following weeks or months -it may be that the strangulation happened some time ago, but you are worried that you have symptoms from it. This could be ongoing psychological problems or physical symptoms such as ongoing voice changes, weakness of one side of your face, signs of a stroke or dizziness. If in doubt, seek help, there is much that can be done to make things better. If you have recently been strangled, the doctors will want to check you for injuries. They will want to make sure that you will not develop breathing problems or have any injury to the blood vessels in your neck. They may talk to you about having a scan to your neck and head.
Forensic medical examination – if the strangulation happens as part of a rape or sexual assault then the police will refer you to a SARC (a Sexual Assault Referral Centre). You may be asked to have a forensic medical examination. Here the forensic clinician will ask you some questions about the attack. Forensic samples such as swabs of your neck and nails might be taken and photographs of any injuries might be taken. If you have not spoken to the police, you can still be seen at a SARC. You can find details of your local SARC at Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or call 111.
In an emergency call 999 If you feel that you are safe and it is not an emergency, call: Police 101 NHS 111 or your GP.
Further help and support:
Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse and the Hampton Trust (HDAP). HADP is a group of local services and agencies in Hampshire working together to provide help and support for victims and survivors of abuse, children living with domestic abuse, people who may be abusing or hurting someone and professionals seeking advice.
Silent 55 – If you’re in danger, call 999 and try to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions. If you don’t speak or answer questions, press 55 or tap when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police.
The police will usually be able to find your location.
If you don’t press 55 or respond, your call could be ended.
Pippa Specialist sexual and domestic services in Southampton.
Paragon – Services to support victims and survivors of stalking, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
DV ASSIST – The UK’s only registered charity specialising in arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders.
National Centre for Domestic Violence – Domestic Abuse and Violence Emergency Legal Protection.
Refuge – For Women and Children against Domestic Violence.
Safer Lives – Support and help to people being investigated for indecent images and other sexual offences.