Non-fatal strangulation raises homicide risk sevenfold in domestic abuse
Domestic violence victims who have been strangled are 7.5 times more likely to be killed by their partner.
A landmark forum in Hobart this week heard sobering evidence on non-fatal strangulation in intimate partner violence. A death review by the Red Rose Foundation found that one in five domestic homicides had prior non-fatal strangulation in their history.
A 2008 study confirmed domestic violence victims who have been strangled face a 7.5 times higher risk of being killed by their partner. Brain injuries from non-fatal strangulation often go undetected by police.
Research shows 18 to 37 per cent of people who experience partner violence sustain brain injuries from choking. These include memory loss, speech difficulty and stroke.
Yet 50 per cent of all strangulation cases leave no visible marks. This leaves victims reluctant to report and police struggling to document the harm.
- 7.5 times higher if strangled
- Homicide risk increase
- One in five domestic homicides
- Deaths with history
- 50 per cent
- Cases without marks
- More than half of 4700 surveyed
- Young people affected
Why it mattersUnderstanding strangulation as an escalation warning saves lives; victims need recognition and support they rarely receive.
AustraliaAll Australian states and territories now have dedicated criminal offences for non-fatal strangulation after Victoria made it law in 2024. First responders and courts must improve detection and penalties.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 h ago
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