Dear Carolyn,
I am concerned about my sister, as her boyfriend is choking her. They get in a fight, and he grabs her neck. The problem is there usually aren’t any bruises. What is the risk of this? What should she do?
Carolyn Answers,
Strangulation is a very dangerous, and, in fact, can be deadly. At least 50 percent of the strangulation cases show no bruises or outside injury. Thirty-five percent have bruising that doesn’t photograph well. Some of the symptoms of choking are hoarseness, headaches, dizziness or vomiting. Strangling someone doesn’t require much strength, and the strength is comparable to the strength of a handshake. The time to create unconsciousness from strangulation is as little as 7 to 14 seconds up to a minute. Death can occur within minutes from unconsciousness. According to the Journal of Emergency Medicine, surviving victims of strangulation are seven times more likely to be homicide victims.
Your sister should make a diary of all the past incidents of attempted strangulation. She should take her list the Family Justice Center and apply for a 50B. And she should never see this man again. He is dangerous. Strangulation is dangerous!
Send your questions on family law and divorce matters to “Ask Carolyn…” at askcarolyn@rhinotimes.com, or P.O. Box 9023, Greensboro, NC 27427. Please do not put identifying information in your questions. Note that the answers in “Ask Carolyn” are intended to provide general legal information, and the answers are not specific legal advice for your situation. The column also uses hypothetical questions. A subtle fact in your unique case may determine the legal advice you need in your individual case. Also, please note that you are not creating an attorney-client relationship with Carolyn J. Woodruff by writing or having your question answered by “Ask Carolyn…”
Excellent advice, Carolyn, however, in many cases, the victim never reports the violator until it is to late. The violator so often apologizes, buys the victim gifts, and promises to never do it again. The end result, sadly, is death in many cases. The sister should convince her to take the steps you have suggested without hesitation, and if she does not, the sister can report the assaults herself.