A recent study conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham has revealed significant long-term health issues stemming from strangulation due to intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings indicate that many women report persistent vision problems and symptoms of traumatic stress years after experiencing strangulation, which can impede normal blood and air flow to the brain.
Globally, nearly one in three women has faced some form of IPV, with 68% of those women experiencing strangulation. This form of violence can lead to brain injuries that have lasting health impacts. The research, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, underscores the urgent need for IPV prevention and effective treatment for affected women.
Study Overview and Methodology
Led by Eve Valera, Ph.D., an investigator in the Mass General Brigham Department of Psychiatry, the study involved 139 women, primarily white, who were recruited through various means including social media and online advertisements. Researchers carefully classified participants based on their experiences with strangulation to better understand the severity of symptoms.
The study identified three distinct subgroups: those who experienced strangulation, those who experienced strangulation with altered consciousness (such as seeing stars or tunnel vision), and those who suffered a full loss of consciousness. Participants in the latter two categories were presumed to have sustained brain injuries. Among the respondents, 64% reported a history of IPV-related strangulation, 30% indicated alterations in consciousness, and 15% reported full loss of consciousness.
Health Impacts and Findings
From July 2020 to February 2023, the researchers surveyed the participants about their symptoms, including dizziness, vision and hearing issues, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. On average, participants had experienced their last incident of strangulation 8.7 years prior to the survey.
The results showed that women who had suffered from strangulation reported significantly higher rates of vision problems and traumatic stress. Those with an associated brain injury experienced exacerbated symptoms, such as increased stress, dizziness, and poor concentration. Notably, participants who had undergone alterations in consciousness reported more severe vision problems, while those who lost consciousness demonstrated intensified symptoms of traumatic stress.
The findings suggest that neurobehavioral issues and traumatic stress are likely to endure long after the initial strangulation event. Valera emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “Strangulation is under-reported, and more work is needed to encourage disclosure, social interventions, and timely healthcare for those subjected to these violent events.”
The implications of this research are profound, highlighting both the immediate and long-term effects of strangulation in IPV cases. The study calls for increased awareness and support for victims, aiming to mitigate the lasting health consequences associated with such traumatic experiences.
