Institute for Addressing Strangulation

We recognise that strangulation is present across different contexts and relationships. From domestic abuse and sexual violence to an increased prevalence of strangulation during consensual sex, we are championing the importance of a whole system approach to better understanding and raising awareness of risks associated with this behaviour. This conference will be particularly useful for policy makers, strategic leaders, educators in relevant fields, and frontline professionals working in domestic abuse, sexual violence, health, criminal justice, and education. Come and hear from experts in the field, join the conversation, help us to develop the plan for future work and, ultimately, save lives.

“Our brain is a really significant sexual organ. If we repeatedly associate pleasure with, you know, any number of things, then we can eroticise it … That means we need, I think, to be able to think critically about what we allow ourselves to be eroticised by.” For some, strangulation during sex is an expected part of the sexual experiences, as this The Guardian piece shows. https://lnkd.in/ghXRsAyJ The risks highlighted in this article are linked to health such as unconsciousness, stroke, and death. This calls into question the consent of the person being strangled. "Sometimes choking is performed without consent being given at all. A 2021 study found it “striking” how little was known, among those who practise, about “how consent may be negotiated, communicated, or understood for choking”." #NoSafeWayToStrangle

In my report on aspects of policing in Greater Manchester, two women who were arrested, were in the aftermath of having suffered non-fatal strangulation from their partner or ex. They fit into what can happen to victims of domestic abuse who come into contact with the police. One was arrested for trivial allegations, made against her, by the perpetrator, only after his arrest. College of Policing guidance points out that this is commonplace behaviour from coercively controlling males, who want to use the police to help them to regain control over their victim. The other was so frustrated by the police lack of response to her needs as a victim - having spent six hours on a total of 14 telephone calls to ask for practical assistance – that she swore down the phone at the police. She was arrested for malicious communications. Police understanding of NFS seems quite natatory, therefore, in a number of ways. I am delighted to be asked to speak at this conference organised by this fantastic organisation who were driving this agenda forward.

We are delighted to say that the first speaker for our November Conference has been announced as Dame Vera Baird! Dame Vera Baird has an extensive track record advocating for the rights of victims of sexual and domestic abuse. In her recent report - https://lnkd.in/dsVY-M2M - Dame Vera Baird highlights the experiences of two women featured in the inquiry who had suffered domestic abuse had also been subjected to non-fatal strangulation. "Non-fatal strangulation can have extremely serious effects, and its common use by domestic abuse perpetrators to instil fear and exert control is reflected in criminal law through the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 following a campaign by survivors and other experts." (Dame Vera Baird KC, July 2024)

Great to be invited by the #SentencingCouncil to this slightly imposing location this week, along with Catherine White, OBE, to consult on the proposed sentencing guidelines for #nonfatalstrangulation. I was encouraged by their intention for sentencing to reflect fully, and consistently, strangulation's inherent harm, and their openness to clinical and research perspectives. But we shall be keeping multiple eyes on this! Institute for Addressing Strangulation Centre for Women's Justice Bernie Ryan, OBE Nicole Jacobs

IFAS Autumn 2024 Conference: Tackling Strangulation - Working Together to Save Lives. * * * https://lnkd.in/e9NeG6yg * * * Join us on 12th November for our Conference, focusing on a whole system approach to tackling strangulation. We will focus on the 'strangulation timeline', considering prevalence (including with regard to strangulation during consensual sex); the short-term impacts and responses; longer-term implications; and we will be hosting discussions on prevention. Our early bird discount is available until 31 August 2024 - don't miss out!

Our national policing statement published today has outlined the scale of the threat posed by violence against women and girls (VAWG), with 3,000 offences recorded every day in England and Wales, accounting for 20% of all police recorded crime.   1 in 12 women are thought to be victims per year and 1 in 20 people will perpetrate these offences, however, we know that policing only sees the tip of the iceberg and these estimates are likely substantially higher.   Policing has undergone significant changes to the way it tackles violence against women and girls in recent years. Progress has been made to drive standards and consistency across all police forces, however, the scale is at such levels that it cannot be addressed through law enforcement alone.   Evidence shows many of these perpetrators will have touch points with a number of agencies outside of policing through their life, such as education, healthcare and industry, presenting opportunities for intervention.   Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said:   “We are absolutely determined to turn the tide on violence and abuse faced by women and girls and will continue to work tirelessly to do better for victims. “Our focus will always be to bring the men behind these pervasive crimes to justice.   “Violence against women and girls is a national emergency. We need the support and direction of government to lead the way on a whole-system approach to VAWG." Read more: https://lnkd.in/evqZ_sRE

IFAS are pleased to announce our autumn 2024 conference: Tackling Strangulation -Working Together to Save Lives Since October 2022 IFAS, funded by the Home Office, has been working with professionals across the criminal justice, health, probation, domestic abuse, sexual violence and education sectors. This Conference is particularly relevant to policy makers and frontline professionals working in these areas. Join us to explore how we can work together to tackle strangulation and save lives. Venue: Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street Manchester Date: Tuesday 12 November 2024 Time 8.30 (Registration) 9.30am -4.30pm Early bird places available until 18 August 2024. Book now to avoid disappointment: https://lnkd.in/e9NeG6yg

Clinical pathways for strangulation victim/survivors are an incredibly important element of a #WholeSystemApproach. Our Clinical Guidelines are designed to support clinicians to provide victims with optimal care promptly and mitigate potential harm. View and download the guidelines here: https://lnkd.in/dCWpB-W7 _ _ _ We are also pleased to announce our next clinical webinar series on Non-Fatal Strangulation which will take place from 10 September to 05 November 2024. For more information and to book on: https://lnkd.in/d-PEqCTH

CONSULTATION ON NON-FATAL STRANGULATION AND SUFFOCATION OFFENCES GUIDELINE PUBLISHED - needs your input   The Sentencing Council is consulting on a new guideline for sentencing offenders convicted of non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal suffocation offences.   The offences were introduced by the #DomesticAbuse Act 2021 and came into force on 7 June 2022. These are serious offences and victims can experience severe psychological issues including a potential fear of death. Despite the strong link between non-fatal strangulation and domestic homicide, it can be difficult to identify due to a lack of visible injury. We know the impact of #NFS on survivors’ mental and physical health is long term and also the link to sexual violence.   The Council is seeking views on the draft guideline from judges, magistrates, criminal justice practitioners, other parties interested in this area of sentencing and the public. The consultation runs from 15 May 2024 to 14 August 2024.   There are currently NO sentencing guidelines for these offences and courts rely on principles from a recent Court of Appeal judgment. Please share with your networks to ensure this consultation gets all the information it needs to improve sentencing Institute for Addressing Strangulation Rachel Court (nee Williams) Steffy (Stephanie) B. https://lnkd.in/e_FS5y_2