I've actually been strangled before, on more than one occasion. I've recorded it, during a domestic violence episode. It sounded the same. I believe she was being strangled/choked or whatever you'd like to call it, either with an arm or something else.
Also, I never had a mark on me, yet I could not breath. It's amazing how much someone can do to you and not leave a mark, trust me.
I'm sorry that happened to you, Freya. Thank you for sharing, I didn't mean to diminish your experience, just point out that the focus on 'strangling' and the lack of tissue damage seems to somehow get him off the hook for physical intimidation in the minds of some.