Strangulation is external pressure applied to the neck that restricts airflow or blood flow to the brain. It can cause unconsciousness in seconds and serious medical complications hours or even days later. Many people assume strangulation is only dangerous if someone loses consciousness or shows visible injury. In reality, serious harm can occur even when the assault lasts only a few seconds. The brain cannot distinguish between “consensual” and non-consensual oxygen deprivation.
When oxygen or blood flow is restricted, the body enters a life-threatening state.
| Often Described as "Consensual" | Abuse Context |
|---|---|
| Occurs with partners, friends or “situationships” | Used to intimidate or control |
| Framed as “just choking” | Demonstrates power |
| Risk often minimized | Major escalation indicator |
| Consent may be discussed | Often coercive or non-consensual |
| Regardless of context, strangulation carries serious medical risks. Loss of consciousness can happen quickly, and brain injury can occur without visible marks. | |
Strangulation injuries are often invisible.
Serious complications can develop hours or days after the assault.
Seek medical care if you experience:
Even brief strangulation can have serious, sometimes hidden consequences. The danger is real even without visible injuries or loss of consciousness.
Memes and short-form content often present strangulation as humorous, flirtatious, or desirable.
These posts can minimize the seriousness of restricting someone’s breathing or blood flow, framing it as a normal part of attraction or intimacy.
Repeated exposure to this type of content can desensitize viewers to the risks and reinforce the idea that strangulation is harmless or expected—especially among younger audiences.
The images in the section below will be obscured unless you hover over them for a few seconds.
In Big Little Lies, strangulation is depicted within an abusive relationship dynamic. While the show addresses intimate partner violence more directly than many others, these scenes can still be difficult to contextualize without an understanding of how strongly strangulation is linked to increased homicide risk.
A team of specialized nurses, doctors and social workers provide care to people of any age, gender or sexual identity experiencing sexual assault and/or domestic violence living in Oxford, Elgin, Huron-Perth and Middlesex counties.
There is no cost to the patient/client.
Phone Number:
519-646-6100 ext. 64224
Website:
https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program
Location:
268 Grosvenor St. London, ON Room B0-644
Contact DASO if you are in crisis or if you need help, support or advice about Intimate Partner Violence/Gender-Based Violence.
Services:
Phone Number:
519-539-4811
Website:
www.daso.ca
Location:
975 James St.
Woodstock, ON
Offers immediate, short term crisis intervention 24/7 to individuals impacted by crime or tragedy. Trained staff and volunteers are available to provide emotional support, practical assistance and information on site or by telephone. Services are voluntary and free of charge. Available during business hours or through emergency services after-hours.
Phone Number:
519-537-2824
Website:
www.vasoc.on.ca
The Domestic Violence Unit investigates offences, assists victims, and makes referrals to community partners. Victims are supported with safety planning and risk assessments.
Woodstock: 519-421-2800 ext. 236 or 1-800-537-6277
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): 519-688-6540 or 1-888-310-1122
OSAS is a specialized, free, and confidential program in Oxford County providing trauma-informed counseling, advocacy, and support for individuals impacted by sexual violence.
Office Phone:
519.539.1111 x270
Cell Phone:
226.232.6149 (call or text)
Email:
[email protected]
Note: Please note, OSAS is not an urgent or crisis service.
Throughout May 2026, we are raising awareness about the dangers of strangulation and the role it plays in intimate partner violence across Oxford County. This campaign brings together healthcare, law enforcement, and community organizations to educate, prevent harm, and improve responses to survivors. Join us by learning more, sharing resources, and participating in events happening throughout the month. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to register for one of our upcoming campaign events.
Throughout the month, we will be releasing educational resources to increase awareness and support informed decision-making.
These include:
Check back regularly as new resources are added.
Throughout May, we’ll be sharing a weekly social media series to break down key topics:
Week 1: What is Strangulation?
Understanding what it is, how it happens, and how it’s often described.
Week 2: The Risks
Exploring the hidden and delayed dangers, including brain injury and fatal outcomes.
Week 3: Media & Normalization
Challenging how strangulation is portrayed in media, pornography, and online culture.
Week 4: Consent & Legal Realities
Understanding the legal implications and what true informed consent means in this context.
➡ Follow us on social media to stay updated and share these messages within your networks.
Instagram: @oxforddart
