If you believe somebody you know has been the victim of strangulation, you may wonder what you can do to help them. Hearing that somebody, especially a child or somebody you provide care for, has been strangled can be difficult to deal with. You may have no idea what to do about this.
For most people, the next step after a strangulation injury is a strangulation SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) exam. This will help determine if your loved one may have been the victim of a crime, for example. These are some of the signs that it may be time to seek a strangulation SANE.
Vocal Changes
A sudden change in one's voice or manner of speaking could be indicative of strangulation or something else serious. If somebody has a scratchy voice suddenly or is struggling to speak, strangulation may be the cause.
Neck or Ear Pain
The neck and ear may hurt or feel sore because of the pressure of strangulation. You might also see bruising that appears on the neck, which can be a good indicator of elder or child abuse, for example.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
Even a day or so after the strangulation incident, you might notice that somebody is struggling to breathe or complains of pain while trying to swallow fluids.
Changes in Behavior
Strangulation is scary, and if you suddenly notice that somebody is acting differently, they may have been the victim of abuse. They may avoid certain people or feel uncomfortable discussing certain topics.
Contractions
Pregnant women can be the victims of strangulation, often by intimate partners. In many cases, strangulation can lead to contractions and even early labor. As a result, the baby may be in danger as well.
Swollen Tongue
During strangulation, the tongue may also become swollen. If a child has serious swelling and pain in their tongue, it is cause for concern.
Bloodshot or Dark Eyes
The serious and violent nature of strangulation can also mean that somebody who is a victim experiences darkening around the eyes or even bloodshot eyes. Broken blood vessels near the eyes may also become evident, but it does not happen in every case.
Strangulation Is Serious
If you suspect that somebody in your life has been strangled, it is a good idea to consult with a professional. A strangulation SANE exam can provide insight into what may have happened and help somebody get the help they need.
