Survivor Resources | SKITOregon

Strangulation Survivor Resources

Most victims of strangulation survive.

Surviving, though, is not the end. Due to the danger of having pressure put on your neck and/or chest, it is important that you seek appropriate medical assessment and support as soon as possible.

Even when you've dealt with the physical repercussions of a strangulation assault, the emotional and psychological impacts can be serious. Seeking support is one way to help your healing.

Statistics - Strangulation is dangerous

1 in 4 women experience intimate partner violence sometime in their lifetime.
97% are strangled manually (with hands).
38% of survivors report losing consciousness during the assault.
Only half of victims of visible injuries of the strangulation, and only 15% of those can be photographed.
94% of strangled women believed they were going to die.
There is a 750% increase in likelihood that a victim of strangulation will be killed by their abuser over a victim that has never been strangled.
The majority of police officers killed in the line of duty are killed by a men who have strangled women.

What does a strangulation exam include?

A strangulation exam's main goal is to ensure that you are medically checked for any possible injuries that could impact your immediate and ongoing health. The Oregon Strangulation Forensic Evidence Kits (SKITs) were developed in order to standardize the exams provided to survivors. These kits provide medical personnel with specific documents that leads them through a thorough review of the assault and a comprehensive physical exam.

Ideally, a specially trained nurse will perform the exam with the survivor. In Clackamas and some other counties, an advocate can be brought in to support you during the process and provide referrals to local resources.

Why might I need to have a strangulation exam completed?

Strangulation is very dangerous to your short and long term physical and emotional health.
You can have damage to your neck and brain.
The kit will help address your medical needs as well as provide documentation for potential legal action against the perpetrator.

But I don't have any injuries on my neck

50% of survivors of strangulation have no visible injuries.
Injuries are often internal and can damage your arteries which may result in a stroke.

What is the exam like?

The exam will help the medical personnel assess you for impacts from the strangulation.
The exam will consist of a physical exam, documentation of any injuries through diagrams and/or photographs, and include questions about the assault.
Evidence may be collected, including clothing, swabs of mouth and body, and/or photographs.
You may receive scans of your neck and/or brain to insure that there is no internal damage.

What happens to the kit after the exam?

The completed kit is given to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the hospital or the agency that responded to your situation.
They store the kit in the property room of the police agency.
If the case is prosecuted, the District Attorney may request that DNA be completed by the Oregon Crime Lab.

What happens to me after the exam?

You will receive a Discharge Information Sheet that addresses what to look for and when to seek additional medical care if needed.
You should receive follow up by the medical personnel, law enforcement and the advocate who worked with you:
- Law enforcement may contact you for follow up interviews and/or photographs.
- Medical personnel may call to check on you.
- Advocates may contact you to offer resources and support.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

See your Discharge Information Sheet.
You should also receive a card from law enforcement with contact information as well as information on how to contact medical personnel.
You can contact A Safe Place Family Justice Center at 503-655-8600 (see below).