Abstract

Background: Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a life-threatening event in cases of sexual assault. The incidence of NFS during sexual assault is increasing on a global scale. NFS is a gendered crime as most victims are women and most assailants are men and is more common in intimate partner violence. Strangulation victims only have visible neck injuries around 50% of the time, but visible injuries are not a reliable indicator of the severity of the assault. NFS can cause neurological damage from lack of blood flow to the brain and result in physical and psychological trauma. NFS indicates a high degree of lethality in cases of sexual assault and victims of NFS are more likely to become homicide victims in the future. Methods: Information was gathered through a retrospective chart review of sexual assault medical forensic examination forms in a Mountain West state from 2019-2022. Descriptive statistical and Chi-square analyses were conducted. Interrater reliability (Cohen's Kappa) was calculated. Results: This retrospective, exploratory study of 2,077 sexual assault cases found the following variables statistically significant in NFS cases (~27.01% of total cases): age; gender; prior history of sexual assault; established suspect relationship; pain reports post assault; victim hit by assailant; victim reports of breathing changes; increased number of penetrative acts; and anogenital and non-anogenital injuries. Conclusion: NFS in SA are overall more violent assaults. Increased awareness and understanding of NFS during sexual assault will lead to improved medical management, nursing care, and services for victims experiencing NFS.

Degree

College and Department

Nursing

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