The Darker the Skin, the Greater the Disparity? Why a Reliance on Visible Injuries Fosters Health, Legal, and Racial Disparities in Domestic Violence Complaints Involving Strangulation

Abstract

The reliance on external injuries for justice is misguided given that assault injuries may be less visible among victims of color due to increased melanin in the skin. To date, however, less is known whether racial/ethnic disparities extend to officers’ identification of signs of nonfatal strangulation (NFS). The current study estimates the extent of NFS indicators identified by officers who completed a standardized strangulation assessment in 133 family violence complaints. Breathing difficulties were the most common symptoms identified by officers (98%), followed by external signs (89%), and symptoms of impeded blood circulation (87%). Compared to cases involving White/Asian survivors, officers were less likely to identify external injuries on Black survivors’ neck, chin, and chest/shoulders. While racial/ethnic differences did not emerge for symptoms of disrupted airflow, Hispanic survivors were twice as likely to report losing control of bodily functions. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Factors Associated with Non-Fatal Strangulation Victimization in Intimate Relationships: A Meta-Analysis

“…He had reported his car stolen when she was just driving it, and she nearly got arrested. Additionally, it has been found that law enforcement officers are significantly more likely to identify neck and torso injuries on White and Asian victims of strangulation compared to Black victims (Brady et al, 2023). This is incredibly problematic, as documentation of visible injuries is often needed to meet the legal standards of injury (Joshi et al, 2012), which may result in Black women’s offenders not being held responsible for their crime.…”