A person who is strangled by their partner is 750% more likely to be killed by that person in the next year.
Not to be confused with “choking,” strangulation refers to when pressure is applied from the outside, cutting off airflow and/or blood vessels in the neck, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain. Choking, meanwhile, refers to a blockage inside the throat that makes it hard to breathe. During strangulation, pressure can lead to a loss of consciousness within 5-10 seconds and cause death within minutes. Victims may have no visible injuries, yet the lack of oxygen can cause long-term internal injuries and could even cause death days or weeks later.
We know that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence – the ultimate form of control. Strangulation, and other incidences of domestic violence, are on the rise in our community. Non-fatal strangulation is one of the most important risk factors that indicate a person will become a victim of homicide. At Resilience, we are working hard to educate on warning signs and lethality indicators so that together, we can end domestic violence in our community for good.
Research shows that there is a significant reduction in the risk of severe assault when victims utilize domestic violence services. In fact, women who engage in community-based domestic violence services are rarely the victim of homicide or attempted homicide.
Rates of domestic violence have risen drastically in the last 2 years. Last year alone, Resilience experienced a 36% increase in calls to our 24-hour Help Line – responding to 3,450 calls from local survivors seeking support. The 2021 Michigan State Police Incident Crime Report (MICR) shows that Ottawa County law enforcement responded to 3,102 incidents of domestic violence, placing Ottawa County fourth in the State for domestic abuse cases. This is also the highest number of domestic violence incidents reported in Ottawa County since the MICR began segregating domestic violence as its own category in 2013.
We need your help to reach victims before it’s too late. Your donation connects local survivors to life-saving resources such as safety planning, emergency shelter, therapy for adults and children, support groups, legal advocacy, and more. Please consider donating to Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence and creating a safer community for all.
Donate online by clicking here or send a check/cash to:
Resilience
411 Butternut Dr.
Holland, MI 49424
