Non-Fatal Strangulation: Why It Should Always Be Taken Seriously

Non-fatal strangulation is a serious form of violence that can cause significant internal injury even when there are no visible bruises or marks.

A survivor may be able to breathe, speak and move normally after an assault and still have injuries that require medical attention. Some symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why knowing what to look for — and where to get help in Cape May County — is so important.

Cape May County's Sexual Assault Response Team provides comprehensive care to victims of sexual assault and non-fatal strangulation in a safe and caring environment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When should you seek help?

According to the Cape May County Sexual Assault Response Team, services are available to victims of any age, sex and gender who have:

• Experienced a sexual assault within the last 7 days

• Experienced non-fatal strangulation or smothering within the last 5 days

• Experienced non-fatal strangulation or smothering and continue to have symptoms

If you are having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe symptoms or believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

Signs and symptoms of strangulation

Non-fatal strangulation may cause symptoms that are easy to overlook. Cape May County advises survivors to be aware of symptoms including:

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent coughing or coughing up blood

• Loss of consciousness or "passing out"

• Changes in your voice

• Difficulty speaking or swallowing

• Feeling as though there is a lump in your throat

• Muscle spasms in the throat or neck

• Swelling of the throat, neck or tongue

• Increased neck pain

• Drooping eyelids or changes in vision

• Weakness, numbness or tingling on the left or right side of the body

• Difficulty walking

• Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness

• Seizures

• Behavioral changes, memory loss or confusion

  
  

You do not need to have visible injuries for the assault to be serious.

If you have experienced strangulation and are having symptoms, seek medical attention.

What happens when you seek help in Cape May County?

Cape May County's Sexual Assault Response Team brings together trained professionals who can provide medical care, emotional support and, if the survivor chooses, assistance with reporting the assault.

Forensic Nurse

A registered nurse experienced in providing comprehensive medical and forensic care while ensuring that potential evidence is collected appropriately.

The nurse can assess injuries, provide medical care and conduct a forensic examination when appropriate.

Confidential Advocate

An advocate provides crisis intervention and emotional support, offers services and referrals, accompanies survivors through the medical and legal process and maintains victim confidentiality.

Law Enforcement

If a survivor chooses to involve law enforcement, a police officer with specialized training and experience in investigating sexual assault or domestic violence crimes can assist.

Do I have to report the assault to law enforcement?

No.

Cape May County provides an important option for survivors who want medical attention but are not ready to make a police report.

Medical team members can be activated through the emergency room. A medical forensic examination can be completed, and evidence collected during that examination can remain in the custody of the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office without revealing the survivor's identity.

If the survivor later decides to pursue prosecution, they can contact the police department where the assault occurred to file a complaint.

The Prosecutor's Office can then assist the survivor with signing a consent form allowing their information to be released.

This allows survivors to receive medical care and preserve potential evidence without being required to make an immediate decision about law enforcement involvement.

Ways to report an assault

If you choose to report an assault, you can:

• Call 911

• Go to your local police department

• Go to your local emergency room

If you are unsure what to do next, a confidential advocate can also help explain your options.

If you have recently been assaulted

Cape May County recommends taking the following steps whenever possible:

• Get to a safe place.This could be a hospital, police station or the home of a trusted friend.

• Seek medical attention.Some injuries may not be visible or immediately apparent and may require treatment.

• Whenever possible, do not change your clothes, bathe or shower before being examined by a forensic nurse examiner.This can help preserve potential evidence.

Remember that sexual assault is not your fault.

You can also report an assault without fear of consequences because you had been drinking or using drugs.

Helping someone who has experienced an assault

If someone tells you they have experienced strangulation, sexual assault or another form of violence, your response can make a meaningful difference.

You can help by:

• Providing a safe place

• Listening to and believing the survivor

• Encouraging the survivor to seek medical treatment

• Respecting their choices

• Providing accurate information and trusted resources

  
  

Avoid pressuring someone to make a decision about reporting. Survivors should be given information, support and the ability to make informed choices about what happens next.

Cape May County resources

Help is available locally.

Coalition Against Rape & Abuse, Inc. — CARA (609) 522-6489 or (877) 294-2272

CARA provides confidential advocacy and support to survivors in Cape May County.

Cape May County Office of Victim Witness (609) 465-1135 ext. 3443 CapeMayVW@cmcpros.net

Cape May County Child Advocacy Center

(609) 465-1135 ext. 3440 jcaprioli@cmcpros.net

You are not alone

Non-fatal strangulation should always be taken seriously. There may be no bruising, and symptoms may not appear immediately, but that does not mean an injury has not occurred.

If you have experienced non-fatal strangulation or smothering within the last 5 days, or you continue to experience symptoms, consider seeking medical care and contacting a trained advocate.

CARA and the Cape May County Sexual Assault Response Team are available to help survivors understand their options and access medical care, advocacy and other support.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.