'Calling card of a killer': Police warn of spike in strangulations

THUNDER BAY — Abuse is not your fault.

This is the message that, according to the Anishinabek Police Service, cannot be overstated

APS is reporting following what they say is an alarming increase in cases of strangulation of an intimate partner.

Detective Sergeant Matti Primeau said that “strangulation incidents are happening far too frequently in our communities, and that's why we want people to understand just how serious strangulation is and to make sure they know that we're here to help them.”

Primeau is with the crime unit of the Anishinabek Police Service and explained that strangulation itself is a serious and potentially fatal form of violence.

“It's actually one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence (IPV),” she said. “Strangulation is such a high risk indicator for a future homicide that it's often interpreted as a practice homicide.”

Strangulation has been identified as so serious, in fact, that, “it’s referred to as a calling card of a killer,” said Primeau. “A person who has suffered a non-fatal strangulation who survived the incident with their intimate partner is 750% more likely to be killed by that same offender.”

Primeau said that “in 2019, the Criminal Code of Canada was actually amended to recognize strangulation as a distinct criminal offence to allow for stiffer penalties and better tracking of these kinds of incidents.”

Every situation is unique, she said, but too often, reaching out for help can be difficult.

“There’s the fear of retaliation, and there may be shame, guilt, or self blame,” said Primeau. “Survivors can feel embarrassed or guilty that this is happening to them. They may think that they aren't going to be taken seriously or they're not going to be believed. And then abusers actually reinforce that with their manipulation, saying things like, 'if you call anybody, they're not going to believe you.'”

Primeau also emphasized the medical dangers that come with strangulation.

“It puts a lot of pressure on the neck, so that will affect your airway, your blood vessels to and from your brain, the nerves controlling your speech and swallowing,” she said, adding that this is why it's really important to seek medical attention.

The police service is there to help, said Primeau, and they can help navigate the journey to safety.

“We know it can be very difficult for someone experiencing domestic violence to ask for help,” she said. “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 911.”

Primeau encouraged people to visit their website for resources or more information.