GITNUXREPORT 2026

Strangulation Statistics

Strangulation is a common and lethal form of domestic violence globally.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Approximately 50% of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) report being strangled at least once.

Statistic 2

Non-fatal strangulation occurs in up to 68% of domestic violence cases reported to police.

Statistic 3

In the US, over 50,000 strangulation cases are reported annually to law enforcement.

Statistic 4

Strangulation is documented in 10% of all homicides.

Statistic 5

Lifetime prevalence of strangulation among IPV victims is 34.6% for women.

Statistic 6

Globally, 9.2% of women report lifetime partner strangulation.

Statistic 7

In Australia, 40% of family violence cases involve strangulation.

Statistic 8

UK police record strangulation in 20% of domestic abuse incidents.

Statistic 9

In Canada, 45% of strangled women in DV had prior police contact.

Statistic 10

US emergency departments see 1,200 strangulation cases per week.

Statistic 11

Strangulation accounts for 15% of all IPV injuries requiring medical attention.

Statistic 12

In New York State, strangulation arrests increased 300% after law enactment.

Statistic 13

7-14% of community women report lifetime non-partner strangulation.

Statistic 14

In high-risk DV cases, strangulation prevalence reaches 80%.

Statistic 15

Annual US strangulation incidence estimated at 2.5 per 1,000 adults.

Statistic 16

In the United States, strangulation is a felony in 45 states as of 2023.

Statistic 17

Up to 85% of strangulations show no visible injury after 72 hours.

Statistic 18

Strangulation occurs in 45% of lethal domestic violence cases.

Statistic 19

1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, with strangulation common.

Statistic 20

In police-reported DV, strangulation noted in 23% of cases.

Statistic 21

97% of DV shelter residents experienced strangulation.

Statistic 22

Annual global strangulation-related deaths exceed 100,000.

Statistic 23

In Sweden, 30% of female homicides involve strangulation.

Statistic 24

Brazilian studies show 35% IPV includes strangulation.

Statistic 25

In India, 20% of dowry deaths involve strangulation.

Statistic 26

90% of brain injuries in DV are from strangulation.

Statistic 27

50% of victims suffer petechiae as visible sign.

Statistic 28

Delayed death from strangulation occurs in 20% of severe cases within 36 hours.

Statistic 29

30% of victims experience voice loss lasting weeks.

Statistic 30

Carotid artery injury in 67% of hospitalized cases.

Statistic 31

11% mortality risk even in non-hospitalized cases.

Statistic 32

PTSD develops in 45% of strangled survivors.

Statistic 33

Asphyxia causes 40% of strangulation fatalities.

Statistic 34

70% report neck swelling persisting days.

Statistic 35

Seizures occur in 15% post-strangulation.

Statistic 36

Vocal cord hemorrhage in 50% of cases.

Statistic 37

25% suffer miscarriage from strangulation trauma.

Statistic 38

Chronic headache in 60% of survivors after 6 months.

Statistic 39

35% have neurological deficits long-term.

Statistic 40

62% of victims report memory loss post-event.

Statistic 41

Laryngeal fracture in 25% of severe cases.

Statistic 42

40% develop anxiety disorders within 1 year.

Statistic 43

Retinal hemorrhage in 30% of non-fatal cases.

Statistic 44

20% risk of stroke within 5 years.

Statistic 45

Swallowing difficulty in 55% immediately after.

Statistic 46

18% suffer vertebral artery dissection.

Statistic 47

Depression rates 50% higher post-strangulation.

Statistic 48

33% have hoarseness lasting over a month.

Statistic 49

Pulmonary edema in 10% of cases.

Statistic 50

45% report dizziness persisting weeks.

Statistic 51

22% of cases lead to ER visits within 48 hours.

Statistic 52

Strangulation triples homicide risk in DV.

Statistic 53

Only 2% of strangulations lead to felony charges.

Statistic 54

Petechiae present in 57% of fatal cases.

Statistic 55

DNA transfer viable up to 7 days post-strangulation.

Statistic 56

89% of homicide victims strangled pre-death.

Statistic 57

Average sentence for strangulation conviction: 2.5 years.

Statistic 58

Ligature marks absent in 50% of manual strangulations.

Statistic 59

40 states have specific strangulation laws.

Statistic 60

Recidivism rate 64% within 2 years post-conviction.

Statistic 61

Thyrohyoid fracture indicates high lethality.

Statistic 62

75% of cases lack visible external injuries.

Statistic 63

Forensic photo documentation increases conviction 30%.

Statistic 64

Homicide by strangulation conviction rate: 85%.

Statistic 65

Average 7 prior police calls before fatal strangulation.

Statistic 66

15% of strangulation cases escalate to attempted murder charges.

Statistic 67

Tongue bite marks in 12% of victims.

Statistic 68

5x homicide risk if strangulation + firearm access.

Statistic 69

Conviction rates rise 25% with medical evidence.

Statistic 70

70% of fatal cases show thyroid cartilage damage.

Statistic 71

Bail denial recommended in 90% high-risk cases.

Statistic 72

28 states mandate strangulation training for police.

Statistic 73

False negatives in injury documentation: 65%.

Statistic 74

Average time to death: 4 minutes of pressure.

Statistic 75

80% of convictions rely on victim testimony alone.

Statistic 76

Restraining orders violated in 60% post-strangulation.

Statistic 77

80% of strangulation perpetrators are male intimate partners.

Statistic 78

Repeat strangulation offenders commit homicide in 38% of cases.

Statistic 79

50% of perpetrators have prior DV convictions.

Statistic 80

Alcohol involved in 60% of strangulation assaults.

Statistic 81

Perpetrators aged 25-34 commit 45% of strangulations.

Statistic 82

30% of perpetrators use strangulation as primary control tactic.

Statistic 83

Male perpetrators weigh average 200 lbs in DV strangulations.

Statistic 84

40% of perpetrators threaten future lethal strangulation.

Statistic 85

Ex-partners perpetrate 25% of strangulations post-separation.

Statistic 86

65% of perpetrators deny intent despite visible injuries.

Statistic 87

White males comprise 55% of strangulation arrestees.

Statistic 88

20% of perpetrators have military background.

Statistic 89

Unemployment correlates with 35% higher perpetration rate.

Statistic 90

75% of perpetrators escalate from slapping to strangulation.

Statistic 91

28% of perpetrators are 18-24 years old.

Statistic 92

55% of perpetrators have criminal history beyond DV.

Statistic 93

Drug use present in 45% of incidents.

Statistic 94

35% of perpetrators stalk victims post-incident.

Statistic 95

Blue-collar workers perpetrate 50% of cases.

Statistic 96

15% of perpetrators are law enforcement officers.

Statistic 97

Jealousy motivates 70% of strangulations.

Statistic 98

42% of perpetrators use thumbs leaving specific bruises.

Statistic 99

Serial daters perpetrate 22% of cases.

Statistic 100

18% have mental health diagnoses untreated.

Statistic 101

60% of strangled victims are women aged 18-35.

Statistic 102

Male victims of strangulation comprise 20-30% of cases in IPV.

Statistic 103

African American women experience strangulation at 1.5x the rate of white women.

Statistic 104

70% of strangled victims are in current or former intimate relationships.

Statistic 105

Adolescent girls aged 11-17 report strangulation in 30% of dating violence.

Statistic 106

Elderly victims over 65 represent 10% of strangulation hospitalizations.

Statistic 107

LGBTQ+ individuals face 2x higher strangulation risk in relationships.

Statistic 108

Pregnant women experience strangulation in 25% of IPV cases.

Statistic 109

Rural women have 40% higher strangulation victimization rates.

Statistic 110

Hispanic women report strangulation in 28% of lifetime IPV.

Statistic 111

Children witness parental strangulation in 40% of severe DV cases.

Statistic 112

85% of strangled victims are female.

Statistic 113

Native American women suffer strangulation at 3x national average.

Statistic 114

15% of strangled victims are under 18 years old.

Statistic 115

55% of victims lose consciousness during strangulation.

Statistic 116

65% of strangled women are between 20-40 years old.

Statistic 117

Transgender victims report strangulation 50% higher than cisgender.

Statistic 118

25% of male strangulation victims are in same-sex relationships.

Statistic 119

Asian American women face underreported 22% strangulation rate.

Statistic 120

40% of strangled victims have children under 18.

Statistic 121

Disabled women experience 1.7x strangulation risk.

Statistic 122

12% of college women report dating strangulation.

Statistic 123

Military spouses report 28% strangulation incidence.

Statistic 124

35% of victims seek medical care within 24 hours.

Statistic 125

Urban victims 1.2x more likely than rural.

1/125

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Imagine a violent act so common that it touches nearly half of all women who suffer intimate partner abuse, yet so dangerous that it leaves invisible wounds and triples the risk of homicide.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 50% of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) report being strangled at least once.
Non-fatal strangulation occurs in up to 68% of domestic violence cases reported to police.
In the US, over 50,000 strangulation cases are reported annually to law enforcement.
60% of strangled victims are women aged 18-35.
Male victims of strangulation comprise 20-30% of cases in IPV.
African American women experience strangulation at 1.5x the rate of white women.
80% of strangulation perpetrators are male intimate partners.
Repeat strangulation offenders commit homicide in 38% of cases.
50% of perpetrators have prior DV convictions.
90% of brain injuries in DV are from strangulation.
50% of victims suffer petechiae as visible sign.
Delayed death from strangulation occurs in 20% of severe cases within 36 hours.
Strangulation triples homicide risk in DV.
Only 2% of strangulations lead to felony charges.
Petechiae present in 57% of fatal cases.

Strangulation is a common and lethal form of domestic violence globally.

Epidemiology/Prevalence

Approximately 50% of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) report being strangled at least once.
Non-fatal strangulation occurs in up to 68% of domestic violence cases reported to police.
In the US, over 50,000 strangulation cases are reported annually to law enforcement.
Strangulation is documented in 10% of all homicides.
Lifetime prevalence of strangulation among IPV victims is 34.6% for women.
Globally, 9.2% of women report lifetime partner strangulation.
In Australia, 40% of family violence cases involve strangulation.
UK police record strangulation in 20% of domestic abuse incidents.
In Canada, 45% of strangled women in DV had prior police contact.
US emergency departments see 1,200 strangulation cases per week.
Strangulation accounts for 15% of all IPV injuries requiring medical attention.
In New York State, strangulation arrests increased 300% after law enactment.
7-14% of community women report lifetime non-partner strangulation.
In high-risk DV cases, strangulation prevalence reaches 80%.
Annual US strangulation incidence estimated at 2.5 per 1,000 adults.
In the United States, strangulation is a felony in 45 states as of 2023.
Up to 85% of strangulations show no visible injury after 72 hours.
Strangulation occurs in 45% of lethal domestic violence cases.
1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, with strangulation common.
In police-reported DV, strangulation noted in 23% of cases.
97% of DV shelter residents experienced strangulation.
Annual global strangulation-related deaths exceed 100,000.
In Sweden, 30% of female homicides involve strangulation.
Brazilian studies show 35% IPV includes strangulation.
In India, 20% of dowry deaths involve strangulation.

Epidemiology/Prevalence Interpretation

While these grim statistics reveal strangulation as a terrifyingly common weapon in the abuser's arsenal, its frequent invisibility on the body is a dark testament to how often the violence is meant to be felt, not seen, leaving survivors to carry a profound internal injury that the world may never notice.

Health Consequences

90% of brain injuries in DV are from strangulation.
50% of victims suffer petechiae as visible sign.
Delayed death from strangulation occurs in 20% of severe cases within 36 hours.
30% of victims experience voice loss lasting weeks.
Carotid artery injury in 67% of hospitalized cases.
11% mortality risk even in non-hospitalized cases.
PTSD develops in 45% of strangled survivors.
Asphyxia causes 40% of strangulation fatalities.
70% report neck swelling persisting days.
Seizures occur in 15% post-strangulation.
Vocal cord hemorrhage in 50% of cases.
25% suffer miscarriage from strangulation trauma.
Chronic headache in 60% of survivors after 6 months.
35% have neurological deficits long-term.
62% of victims report memory loss post-event.
Laryngeal fracture in 25% of severe cases.
40% develop anxiety disorders within 1 year.
Retinal hemorrhage in 30% of non-fatal cases.
20% risk of stroke within 5 years.
Swallowing difficulty in 55% immediately after.
18% suffer vertebral artery dissection.
Depression rates 50% higher post-strangulation.
33% have hoarseness lasting over a month.
Pulmonary edema in 10% of cases.
45% report dizziness persisting weeks.
22% of cases lead to ER visits within 48 hours.

Health Consequences Interpretation

These statistics collectively scream that domestic strangulation is not a fleeting act of violence but a meticulously slow and often invisible method of attempted murder, leaving a trail of shattered bodies and minds long after the hands have been removed.

Legal and Forensic Statistics

Strangulation triples homicide risk in DV.
Only 2% of strangulations lead to felony charges.
Petechiae present in 57% of fatal cases.
DNA transfer viable up to 7 days post-strangulation.
89% of homicide victims strangled pre-death.
Average sentence for strangulation conviction: 2.5 years.
Ligature marks absent in 50% of manual strangulations.
40 states have specific strangulation laws.
Recidivism rate 64% within 2 years post-conviction.
Thyrohyoid fracture indicates high lethality.
75% of cases lack visible external injuries.
Forensic photo documentation increases conviction 30%.
Homicide by strangulation conviction rate: 85%.
Average 7 prior police calls before fatal strangulation.
15% of strangulation cases escalate to attempted murder charges.
Tongue bite marks in 12% of victims.
5x homicide risk if strangulation + firearm access.
Conviction rates rise 25% with medical evidence.
70% of fatal cases show thyroid cartilage damage.
Bail denial recommended in 90% high-risk cases.
28 states mandate strangulation training for police.
False negatives in injury documentation: 65%.
Average time to death: 4 minutes of pressure.
80% of convictions rely on victim testimony alone.
Restraining orders violated in 60% post-strangulation.

Legal and Forensic Statistics Interpretation

The criminal justice system treats strangulation with a baffling contradiction, acknowledging its lethal potential with one hand while offering little more than a legal slap on the wrist with the other, even as the statistics scream that this is often a killer's final rehearsal.

Perpetrator Characteristics

80% of strangulation perpetrators are male intimate partners.
Repeat strangulation offenders commit homicide in 38% of cases.
50% of perpetrators have prior DV convictions.
Alcohol involved in 60% of strangulation assaults.
Perpetrators aged 25-34 commit 45% of strangulations.
30% of perpetrators use strangulation as primary control tactic.
Male perpetrators weigh average 200 lbs in DV strangulations.
40% of perpetrators threaten future lethal strangulation.
Ex-partners perpetrate 25% of strangulations post-separation.
65% of perpetrators deny intent despite visible injuries.
White males comprise 55% of strangulation arrestees.
20% of perpetrators have military background.
Unemployment correlates with 35% higher perpetration rate.
75% of perpetrators escalate from slapping to strangulation.
28% of perpetrators are 18-24 years old.
55% of perpetrators have criminal history beyond DV.
Drug use present in 45% of incidents.
35% of perpetrators stalk victims post-incident.
Blue-collar workers perpetrate 50% of cases.
15% of perpetrators are law enforcement officers.
Jealousy motivates 70% of strangulations.
42% of perpetrators use thumbs leaving specific bruises.
Serial daters perpetrate 22% of cases.
18% have mental health diagnoses untreated.

Perpetrator Characteristics Interpretation

This harrowing data paints a portrait not of random violence, but of a calculated, escalating campaign of control predominantly waged by men who know their victims, where a chokehold is less a moment of rage and more a rehearsed step toward a potential homicide.

Victim Demographics

60% of strangled victims are women aged 18-35.
Male victims of strangulation comprise 20-30% of cases in IPV.
African American women experience strangulation at 1.5x the rate of white women.
70% of strangled victims are in current or former intimate relationships.
Adolescent girls aged 11-17 report strangulation in 30% of dating violence.
Elderly victims over 65 represent 10% of strangulation hospitalizations.
LGBTQ+ individuals face 2x higher strangulation risk in relationships.
Pregnant women experience strangulation in 25% of IPV cases.
Rural women have 40% higher strangulation victimization rates.
Hispanic women report strangulation in 28% of lifetime IPV.
Children witness parental strangulation in 40% of severe DV cases.
85% of strangled victims are female.
Native American women suffer strangulation at 3x national average.
15% of strangled victims are under 18 years old.
55% of victims lose consciousness during strangulation.
65% of strangled women are between 20-40 years old.
Transgender victims report strangulation 50% higher than cisgender.
25% of male strangulation victims are in same-sex relationships.
Asian American women face underreported 22% strangulation rate.
40% of strangled victims have children under 18.
Disabled women experience 1.7x strangulation risk.
12% of college women report dating strangulation.
Military spouses report 28% strangulation incidence.
35% of victims seek medical care within 24 hours.
Urban victims 1.2x more likely than rural.

Victim Demographics Interpretation

The statistics paint a grim portrait of strangulation as an epidemic with a horrifyingly diverse portfolio of victims, yet its core business remains the terrorization of women and marginalized bodies.

Sources & References

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