Compassionate Care for Survivors of Choking or Strangulation
Expert medical care and mental health services for victims of choking and strangulation.
Nevada Statistics
You Are Not Alone
Nevada faces alarmingly high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, and human trafficking, with these issues often overlapping and compounding harm for survivors. Women, youth, communities of color, and rural residents are hit hardest, while systemic barriers make it difficult to access timely, trauma-informed medical, forensic, advocacy, and behavioral health services.
Domestic violence is widespread, with about 43.8% of women and 32.8% of men reporting lifetime experiences, placing the state among the highest in the nation. Sexual violence adds to the crisis, with Nevada ranking in the top five for reported rapes at around 70.2 per 100,000 residents—though underreporting means the real numbers are much higher. Human trafficking further expands the problem, with nearly 5,000 victims identified since 2007, including over 500 in 2024, and Nevada consistently leading the nation in victims per capita, most involving sex trafficking. Estimates suggest the true number of adults experiencing domestic violence each year is between 77,000 and 96,000, far above the fewer than 20,000 police reports filed, and that 6,800–7,000 adults likely face sexual assault annually compared to roughly 2,200 reports. Strangulation, one of the most severe forms of abuse, remains a significant but underreported threat.
Physical, Neurological and Psychological Impact
May Not Always Be Visible
Non-fatal strangulation can result in severe and wide-ranging injuries, many of which may not be immediately visible and can worsen over time. It disrupts oxygen and blood flow to the brain, potentially causing traumatic brain injuries, strokes, neurological damage, and significant psychological trauma, even in the absence of obvious external signs.
Given the potential impact on physical health, brain function, cognitive abilities, emotions, and long-term safety, it is essential for anyone who has experienced strangulation to undergo a thorough medical and neurological evaluation. Early assessment is crucial to identify, treat, and document injuries, preventing delayed complications, aiding recovery, and ensuring survivors receive the necessary care and protection.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI Leads to Long-term Problems
Non-fatal strangulation can result in traumatic brain injury, even in the absence of visible marks. Pressure applied to the neck restricts blood flow and oxygen to the brain, potentially damaging brain tissue within seconds. These injuries are frequently overlooked or diagnosed late, yet they can lead to long-term complications such as headaches, memory and concentration issues, mood disturbances, dizziness, sleep disruptions, and an increased risk of strokes or seizures.
Prompt assessment and treatment are vital. Early screening for traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial to detecting hidden damage, guiding appropriate medical and mental health interventions, and providing documentation necessary for safety planning and legal protection. Assessing brain health following strangulation is not optional—it is a critical step to safeguarding long-term health, recovery, and overall well-being.