Charges laid after police respond to intimate partner violence incident involving strangulation

Last week, charges were laid against a male after an intimate partner violence incident involving strangulation was reported to the Anishinabek Police Service. The male has been charged with:

• Assault – Section 266 of the Criminal Code
• Assault by Choking – Section 267(c) of the Criminal Code

Supports were offered to the survivor.

No further information will be shared publicly about this incident, including location and timing of the assault, nor any details regarding the accused or the survivor.

We are sharing this information solely to open a sensitive conversation with members of our 16 communities.

Strangulation is one of the most serious indicators that the violence will escalate. According to The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, a person who has suffered a non-fatal strangulation incident with their intimate partner is 750% more likely to be killed by the same offender. Facts:

• Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Strangulation with the pressure of a firm handshake can result in death in one to three minutes.
• Death from strangulation can occur days or weeks after an attack from carotid artery dissection, blood clots, or stroke.

Survivors may not realize or process that they were strangled. Instead, they may think, “I was choked”, “He tried to choke me”, or “He made me pass out”. Strangulation is not a synonym for choking. Strangulation is a tactic of control, coercion and abuse. It can be a medical emergency and may require immediate emergency care.

Intimate partner violence means any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship, including emotional or psychological abuse or harassing behaviour. Both women and men can be victims of intimate partner violence. Isolation is the foundation of abusive relationships. The more isolation, the greater the risk of serious harm.

Abuse is not your fault.

The Supports page on our website is a curated catalogue of culturally appropriate resources available to survivors and victims, including crisis lines, treatment centres, and a list of shelters across the province.

We know it can be very difficult for someone experiencing domestic violence to ask for help. If you or someone you know is a victim of family or intimate partner violence, call 1-888-310-1122. If a violent incident is in progress and you are in danger, call 9-1-1.