Strangulation is a Serious Form of Violence: Support Is Available in Clatsop County
Recent reporting in The Astorian has brought increased attention to strangulation assaults in Clatsop County, including multiple cases connected to domestic violence.
In late July, The Astorian reported that four people had been arrested on strangulation charges in Clatsop County in less than a month, with all four cases connected to domestic violence. Additional arrests were reported in the weeks that followed. An August letter published in The Astorian cited eight documented strangulation cases in the county over a two-month period.
For our community, these reports are an important reminder: strangulation is an extremely serious form of violence, and survivors deserve to have their experiences taken seriously.
They also deserve to know that support is available, regardless of whether they are ready to leave a relationship, report what happened to law enforcement, or make any other major decision.
Why Strangulation is So Dangerous
Strangulation occurs when external pressure on the neck interferes with breathing or blood flow. It can happen when someone uses their hands, an arm, or an object to put pressure on another person's neck.
A person does not need to lose consciousness for strangulation to be dangerous.
In fact, one of the things that can make strangulation particularly difficult to recognize is that serious internal injuries can occur even when there are few or no visible marks. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or swallowing, changes to the voice, neck pain, dizziness, memory problems, nausea, vision changes, or loss of consciousness.
Some symptoms and complications can also appear after the assault. If you have experienced strangulation, consider seeking medical care even if you don't see an injury or aren't sure whether what happened was serious. If you are having trouble breathing or experiencing another medical emergency, call 911.
Strangulation and Domestic Violence
Strangulation can be part of a larger pattern of power and control in an abusive relationship. As The Harbor Executive Director Terri Steenbergen told The Astorian in its July coverage, many people simply aren't taught what healthy relationships look like. “We’re not necessarily taught healthy relationships in school … and it’s not unreasonable that so many people don’t know what a healthy relationship looks like, and that becomes visible,” Steenbergen said.
Recognizing abuse can also be complicated. A relationship does not have to look a certain way from the outside for someone to need support, and survivors may have many reasons for staying in a relationship or not involving law enforcement. That's why The Harbor starts by listening. “Listening is huge because people in violent situations have not been listened to,” Steenbergen told The Astorian.
You Don't Have to Be Ready to Leave to Call The Harbor
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you do not have to wait until you are ready to leave to contact The Harbor. You also don't have to have everything figured out before asking for help.
Our advocates work with survivors at many different stages. That can include someone who wants to remain with their partner, someone considering their options, someone who has recently left, or someone trying to rebuild safety and stability after an abusive relationship.
As Steenbergen explained to The Astorian, “We help people who want to stay with their abuser and also people who just left, because it is really hard to move forward, be safe and have a healthy life.”
The Harbor's advocates can listen to what you're experiencing, talk through options, help develop an individualized safety plan, connect you with resources, and support you in determining what comes next. You are the expert on your own needs. Our role is to help you understand your options and support the choices you make.
Support for Children and Young People
Domestic violence doesn't only affect the person directly experiencing abuse. Children and young people may see, hear, or otherwise experience violence in their homes and relationships. The Harbor provides youth advocacy and prevention services designed to meet young people where they are and help them understand healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and available support.
The recent local conversation around strangulation makes this work especially important. Preventing future violence means giving young people opportunities to learn what healthy relationships can look like before harmful behaviors become normalized.
Our Community Has a Role, Too
The recent cases reported in Clatsop County aren't something survivors should have to address alone.
Friends, family members, neighbors, educators, health care providers, businesses, and other community members can all help create an environment where survivors feel safer reaching out for support.
If someone tells you they are experiencing abuse, one of the most important things you can do is listen without judgment. Avoid pressuring them to leave, confronting the person causing harm on their behalf, or assuming you know what they should do next.
Instead, believe them. Ask how you can support them. Respect their decisions. And help connect them with resources when they want that assistance.
The Harbor is Here
The Harbor provides free and confidential advocacy, prevention, and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking throughout Clatsop County. Our services include a 24-hour crisis line, safety planning, emergency shelter, housing support, legal and medical advocacy, referrals to community resources, culturally specific bilingual and bicultural services, and youth advocacy.
You do not have to make a police report to talk to an advocate. You do not have to be ready to leave a relationship. You do not have to know what you want to do next. You can start with a conversation.For 24/7 support, call: 503.325.5735. O llámanos 24/7 línea de crisis en Español 855.938.0584.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
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