Strangulation / Suffocation Services
If you have experienced strangulation/ suffocation you may be eligible for a (non-emergency) health assessment with the Wāhi Mārie Non-Fatal Strangulation Assessment Service (NFSS).
You do not have to make a formal report to police to have this assessment. Currently we work closely with Police, NGOs such as our local Women’s Refuges, Shakti and Primary Care and they can all make a referral to our service for care. You can request an assessment from us by filling this form. You can also ring us on 0800 723 377 (option 2 for the Kaiāwhina) to get more information.
If you have recently been strangled/suffocated (or choked) and have any of the following, please ring 111 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately.
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing blood Increasing or severe headache, not relived by pain medication
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, changes to your voice
- Swelling to your throat, neck or tongue, or increasing pain
- Difficulty swallowing or a lump in throat, muscle spasm in throat or neck
- Loss of consciousness or ‘passing out’, confusion, dizziness or light-headedness, seizures, ringing in the ears
- Dropping eyelid or sudden vision problems, one pupil larger than the other
- Difficulty walking, right or left sided weakness, numbness or tingling, loss of balance
- Vomiting up blood, or persistent vomiting
- Prolonged nosebleed (greater than 10 minutes)
- Loss of control of bladder or bowel
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Behavioural changes or memory loss
If you have been strangled, make sure someone you trust stays with you for the next 24-72 hours.
There is no safe way to be strangled. Injuries can be serious and even fatal.
Often there are no obvious injuries, but there could be serious internal injuries that happen when your brain lacks oxygen, even for a short time. Symptoms of injuries may appear quickly or develop over a few days after the assault.
Strangulation is a common way for abusers to control someone through fear. It is more dangerous than hitting or kicking.
Our specialist healthcare includes:
- The short and long term effects of strangulation
- Aftercare (taking care of yourself after a strangulation)
- Complete an ACC45
- Make referrals for additional care, if needed
- Coordinate care with your GP or Nurse Practitioner, if requested
- Provide a statement and appear as an expert witness in court.
- Discuss Victim Support grants, where eligibility criteria are met.
More information about strangulation / suffocation is available below: