Strangulation in Domestic Violence: A Deadly, Often Overlooked Threat
Aspirus Health's SANE Program Provides Critical Care for Survivors
10/9/2024
Amy Riegert, Aspirus RN and SANE Coordinator
October is Domestic
Violence Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about the
serious, often hidden dangers of domestic violence (DV), including one of its
deadliest forms: strangulation. Strangulation is not only a violent act but
also a major health emergency with both immediate and long-term risks.
Strangulation occurs
when external pressure is applied to the neck, cutting off blood flow to the
brain and preventing breathing. This
act can lead to unconsciousness in as little as five to 10 seconds, and death
can follow within minutes.
“Strangulation is a
medical emergency,” says Amy Riegert, Registered Nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiner (SANE) Coordinator at Aspirus Health. “If someone has been strangled,
they need to seek medical attention right away.”
The consequences of
strangulation extend far beyond the immediate danger. Victims who survive are
750 percent more likely to be killed by the same partner in the future,
according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH). Additionally, many
victims don’t show external signs of injury—50 percent of strangulation
survivors have no visible marks, making it a hidden but severe risk.
Aspirus Health’s SANE Program
provides critical care and support to survivors of both domestic violence and
sexual assault. Available at multiple Aspirus locations, the SANE program
offers comprehensive medical evaluations, forensic evidence collection, and
referrals to community resources. Strangulation is a significant concern for
those treated by the SANE program, as “about 30 percent of our patients who
have experienced sexual assault also have some type of strangulation aspect to
their case,” says Riegert.
“Our SANE program is
designed to give survivors options,” Riegert continues. “We work closely with
law enforcement and advocacy groups to ensure that survivors receive the
medical care, legal support, and community resources they need to recover.”
For those affected,
Aspirus Health’s SANE Program is available at the following locations:
- Aspirus Ironwood
Hospital: (906) 932-2525
- Aspirus Langlade
Hospital: (715) 623-2331
- Aspirus Medford
Hospital: (715) 748-8100
- Aspirus Rhinelander
Hospital: (715) 361-2000
- Aspirus Riverview
Hospital: (715) 423-6060
- Aspirus Stevens
Point Hospital: (715) 346-5000
- Aspirus Wausau
Hospital: (715) 847-2121
- Howard Young Medical
Center: (715) 356-8000
Survivors are
encouraged to visit the Emergency Department at any time for care. If a child
has been sexually assaulted, please call for more information. Law enforcement
can assist in locating a closer SANE program.
For more information
about the SANE program, visit www.aspirus.org/sexual-assault-treatment.
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