Police support NHS campaign to raise awareness of non-fatal strangulation

Agencies across Gloucestershire have come together to raise awareness of the dangers of non-fatal strangulation following an increase in reports.

Police have seen the number of incidents recorded during the past year rise by 12%, from 216 offences to 242.

And partner agencies, such as the NHS, Gloucestershire County Council and charities providing specialist support services, have also seen an increase in disclosures.

The majority of offences (80.2%) recorded by police were perpetrated by men or boys, while more than two thirds (71.9%) of victims were women or girls.

Non-fatal strangulation became a standalone criminal offence in 2022 and carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. It is when a person intentionally strangles another person or does any other act to affect someone’s ability to breathe and constitutes battery.

Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s lead for Domestic Abuse, said: “Non-fatal strangulation is a serious and potentially life-threatening offence.

“The increase in reports across Gloucestershire is deeply concerning which is why we have joined with our partners to support a campaign which highlights the risks and long-term harms or non-fatal strangulation, challenges misconceptions around consent and safety, and ensures people know how to access support.”

During the campaign, which is being led by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, police and partner agencies are delivering awareness activity both online and in communities, including attending Freshers' events.

Det Supt Fletcher added: “Non-fatal strangulation is a significant indicator of escalating violence and future harm. It can happen within relationships where domestic abuse exists but can also happen during consensual sexual encounters.

“In law, the defence of consent does not apply if the person experiencing strangulation suffers serious harm, or whether the person undertaking the act intended to cause harm or was reckless as to whether serious harm would be caused.

“A lack of visible injuries also does not mean an assault has not occurred or that a victim is not at risk and victims can experience delayed medical complications, including breathing difficulties, neurological issues and psychological trauma.

“Through this campaign we hope to educate people about non-fatal strangulation and prevent offences occurring. When offences are reported, we’re committed to working with partners to safeguard victims, and officers will investigate offences thoroughly and hold perpetrators to account, but we’d much rather see a significant reduction in the number of offences taking place.”

Anyone who has experienced any kind of sexual violence at any time in their life, both recently and/or in the past can find a list of support services in the South West here.

More information on domestic abuse, information on how to report and a list of organisations which provide support, is available here.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called 'Clare's Law' after the landmark case that led to it.

This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. There's more information on this here.

More information about this campaign can be found on the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust website.