Which statement about strangulation is an accurate predictor of risk?

• A. It is not an accurate predictor of risk
• B. It cannot be lethal
• C. Strangulation is rare
• D. Strangulation is an accurate predictor of lethality

Answer: (D)

Strangulation is a powerful signal of escalating danger in abusive situations because it shows a clear willingness to cause serious harm, up to and including death. In risk assessments for domestic violence, experiencing strangulation is strongly linked to a higher risk of lethal violence, often within hours or days after the incident. It can cause immediate harm and may lead to delayed medical complications, so it’s a red flag that demands urgent safety planning and medical evaluation.

That’s why the statement that strangulation is an accurate predictor of lethality is the best answer. It captures the strong association between strangulation and the risk of killing. The other options miss this important point: strangulation can be lethal, so saying it cannot be dangerous is incorrect; it’s not merely rare in high-risk cases, and claiming it isn’t a predictor ignores the substantial evidence linking strangulation to increased homicide risk.