A Case of Nonfatal Strangulation Associated With Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that has profound effects on the physical and psychological well-being of millions of Americans. It is known that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of IPV. Frequently, a lack of visible external trauma is present, and attempted strangulation may be accompanied by other more severe injuries to the head and face; thus, the signs and symptoms of nonfatal strangulation may be overlooked. Because the emergency department (ED) is frequently the first point of contact for an individual who has experienced any type of IPV, it is imperative that providers have the knowledge and skill set for the identification and management of this patient population. The purpose of this article is to present a discussion of the challenges faced by ED providers in the clinical decision-making process when caring for a patient who has experienced nonfatal strangulation.