Did you know that strangulation is not a felony?

In Tennessee strangulation is a misdemeanor, which shocks people every time I say it. But it’s true.

At least 26 states have passed tougher laws regarding strangulation, and many others are following suit. This afternoon the Tennessee Senate Judicial Committee will consider SB 0476, introduced by outgoing Senator Jamie Woodson. The bill “adds attempting or intending to cause bodily injury by strangulation to the definition of aggravated assault.”

Studies show that non-fatal strangulation is a major risk factor for homicide of women. One survey of women who were victims of domestic violence revealed that 68% experienced strangulation from their abuser. Half of the time there are no visible injuries.

It’s possible to survive strangulation, think you’re fine, and then die weeks later because of brain damage due to lack of oxygen and other internal injuries. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarse voice, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swollen tongue or lips, drooling, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, headaches, dizziness, and miscarriage may be indications of an internal injury such as swelling, bleeding, fractured larynx, seizures, or pulmonary edema.

Obviously, there are ethical reasons for preventing strangulation, but the financial argument is also compelling.

In 2010, 76% of YWCA Victim Advocacy Program clients were low income or extremely low income, which means they were unlikely to have insurance. Since many would have been on TennCare, strangulation resulting in medical services would be a direct cost to the state. Without the abuser going to prison, in most cases it can be extremely difficult for the victim to leave, which means repeat abuse and repeat medical services. Health care costs not covered by TennCare are an indirect drain on the state because high out-of-pockets costs leave individuals less to spend on products and services, meaning a decrease in sales tax revenue. In 2004, the TN Economic Council on Women estimated Tennessee’s DV-related medical and value of life costs to be $87,157,848.

When one parent kills the other, children are left behind. The minimum cost to place a child in state custody and provide basic counseling and testing is $5000 per month. And the ripple effect is huge. Such children are likely to continue the cycle of violence by becoming victims or abusers themselves, and mental illness and behavioral problems such as school dropout, addiction, and criminal activity are common. Sadly, up to 93% of US youth entering the juvenile justice system annually experienced trauma prior to incarceration (such as witnessing violence or losing a parent) compared to 14-34% among all children. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average.

Since strangulation is likely to lead to homicide, it’s important that we look at how murder affects the US economy. A recent Iowa State study shows that the average cost per murder exceeds $17.25 million in terms of victim costs, criminal justice costs, lost offender productivity, and public willingness-to-pay costs.

That’s a mighty hefty community problem, and strangulation is part of it

Written by: Sara Baker, Director of Women's Advocacy and Written Communications

Sara Baker holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Tennessee and a BA in English and Religion from Maryville College. She has worked as a writer, English instructor, and AmeriCorps VISTA. Sara grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Swansea, Wales; and Wroclaw, Poland. Her lifelong commitment to women's issues includes volunteer work with the Alliance for International Women's Rights, American Association of University Women, YWCA Knoxville Y-Teens, National Conference on Community and Justice, National Network of Presbyterian College Women, University of Tennessee Women's Coordinating Council, University of Swansea Club W, and Maryville College Sisters in Spirit. Sara has studied African American women's literature, women's roles in world religions, and the status of women in Northern Indian culture. Through her work at the YWCA, she researches issues affecting women, such as homelessness, domestic violence, leadership, and empowerment.