Intimate Partner Violence: Case Reports of Nonfatal Strangulation Among Spouses of Service Members

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health issue within the military. Nonfatal strangulation is a form of IPV that significantly raises the risk of future violence and increases the likelihood of homicide sevenfold. Case Reports This article presents two case reports of women who presented to a military emergency department with the chief complaint of manual strangulation by their service member spouse. Their initial exam, injuries, and follow-up care are described. Conclusion IPV and nonfatal strangulation can cause severe internal damage regardless of visible external injuries. Thorough medical evaluation is essential to detect potentially life-threatening complications, including vascular, neurologic, or central nervous system damage. Enhanced prevention strategies in the military, along with adherence to evidence-based imaging and follow-up protocols, can mitigate the long-term physical and psychological effects of strangulation and improve family well-being and military readiness.