Intimate Partner Violence: Case Reports of Nonfatal Strangulation Among Spouses of Service Members

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health issue within the military. Nonfatal strangulation is a form of IPV that significantly raises the risk of future violence and increases the likelihood of homicide sevenfold.

This article presents two case reports of women who presented to a military emergency department with the chief complaint of manual strangulation by their service member spouse. Their initial exam, injuries, and follow-up care are described.

IPV and nonfatal strangulation can cause severe internal damage regardless of visible external injuries. Thorough medical evaluation is essential to detect potentially life-threatening complications, including vascular, neurologic, or central nervous system damage. Enhanced prevention strategies in the military, along with adherence to evidence-based imaging and follow-up protocols, can mitigate the long-term physical and psychological effects of strangulation and improve family well-being and military readiness.