To a large extent it will be dependnat upon what he is charged with. Assault causing actual bodily harm is a serious offence, but if there are strangulation marks it might be even worse. I would agree with the other responses, as there may well be mitigating circumstances. However you may well get the opportunity to express your views via a victim impact statement. This is an opportunity for you to say how it has (and will) affect you. There are many alternatives to a custodial sentance, but generally the court will also consider how best to prevent it happening again.