Strangulation
Strangulation is one of the leading causes of death in domestic violence related homicides.
Strangulation is a form of asphysia (lack of oxygen), and absence of a visible injury is common.
Strangulation is punishable under WY Stat § 6-2-509. To see this statute click here.
If You or Someone You Know Has Been Strangled
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Seek medical attention immediatley
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Log symptoms, this includes voice changes or loss of voice, difficulty swallowing, difficulting breathing, pain or tenderness with touch or movement, restlessness or combativeness, amnesia, involuntary urinatioin/defecation, coughing or vomiting, vision changes, unexplained bump on the head.
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Look for signs of injury behind the ears, around the neck, under the chin and jaw, on eyelids, shoulders and chest area.
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Photograph any signs of injury like redness on the neck, scratch makrs, bruises, tiny red spots (petechiae) on the neck, face, eyes, red eyes, swelling of the neck.
Strangulation Facts
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Strangulation of an intimate partner can be a felony in Wyoming, which may carry a sentence of up to five years.
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Statistically, a victim who has been strangled is seven times more likely to die in a domestic violence related homicide.
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It only takes a few seconds for a strangulation victim to lose consciousness and the repercussions from strangulation can be deadly or may have life-long medical consequences.
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Many strangulation victims experience traumatic brain injuries, as during the incident, their heads may be repeatedly slammed into the floor or wall, resulting in serious concussions that can lead to swelling, strokes, brain damage, and brain death.
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Victims of traumatic brain injuries tend to have difficulty concentrating and processing information.
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Traumatic brain injuries have a clear impact on memory that can severely inhibit a person from being able to make and execute a plan for safety.