IFAS works to increase awareness on strangulation

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Guidelines for clinical management of non-fatal strangulation

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Survey on prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK

Consensual strangulation is highest amongst age group16-34

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Latest resources

Access IFAS resources to understand the best practice in addressing strangulation.

Survey of prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK

Survey of prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK

  • ● Nov, 2024
  • IFAS
  • Survey

Prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK, ages 16-65. Survey of 2344 individuals across the UK, aged 16-65+. 1474 females and 860 males in the UK were surveyed.

A Comparative Analysis of 150 Domestic Homicide Reviews (Report 4)

Report 4: A Comparative Analysis of 150 Domestic Homicide Reviews

  • ● Oct, 2024
  • IFAS
  • Research report

The fourth report in the Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) series is an analysis of 75 domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) where the method of killing was strangulation and 75 DHRs where the method of killing was stabbing with a sharp instrument.

Strangulation and ‘Choking’ Factsheet

Strangulation and ‘Choking’ Factsheet

  • ● Oct, 2024
  • IFAS
  • Guidance

When strangulation (external pressure to the neck) is used in the context of consensual sex, is it more commonly referred to as ‘choking’ or perhaps another term like ‘breath play'. This fact sheet lays out the risks of this dangerous practice.

Domestic Homicide Review Series Part Three

An analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews with fatal strangulation (Report 3)

  • ● Aug, 2024
  • IFAS
  • Research report

This report provides a detailed exploration into demographics, circumstances of the homicides, and an analysis of domestic abuse histories whereby the method of killing in the domestic homicide was strangulation.

Latest publications

Check out our library for the latest insights on strangulation.

Call for non-fatal strangulation to be made crime

Call for non-fatal strangulation to be made a crime in Scotland

  • ● Nov, 2024
  • BBC
  • News Article

Non- fatal strangulation laws have already been introduced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Currently in Scotland, non- fatal strangulation is classed as assault which does not address the physical and psychological impact it can cause.

Jersey: Non-fatal strangulation law to be lodged next year

Jersey: Non-fatal strangulation law to be lodged next year

  • ● Nov, 2024
  • BBC
  • News Article

Minister said the offence could be prosecuted under grave and criminal and common assault, recognising the act was "extremely serious and can cause severe and long-lasting impacts for victims".

BBC 5 Live: prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK

BBC 5 Live: prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK

  • ● Nov, 2024
  • BBC
  • Survey Radio

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs speaks to Naga Munchetty about the survey conducted by IFAS looking at the prevalence of strangulation in consensual sex in the UK. Interview starts at 2:05:00.

Sexual strangulation has become popular – but that doesn’t mean it’s wanted

Sexual strangulation has become popular – but that doesn’t mean it’s wanted

  • ● Sep, 2024
  • The Conversation
  • News Article

An act seemingly once confined to bondage and “kink” communities has become mainstream. Despite the many risks to health (including death), sexual choking is now popular, even commonplace, particularly among young people.

An estimated

20,000

strangulations a year are reported to women’s charities

Find out more about the prevalence of strangulation

Read more

IFAS Training

The Institute has the expertise to train professionals on best practice in supporting victims/survivors of strangulation through a forensic and medical lens.

Training events

Latest training events

Join the dots and learn about the risks and issues around strangulation at our training events

IFAS Clinical Webinar Series Autumn 2024

05 Nov 2024,
We are pleased to announce our next clinical webinar series on Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) which will take place in the autumn from 10 September to 05 November 2024.

Virtual meeting

Cost: Free

SafeLives Training

12 Feb 2025,
In partnership with IFAS, SafeLives have developed non-fatal strangulation (NFS) training for professionals who work with victims/survivors of strangulation. **Please note: there are multiple training dates across 2024 and into 2025. For more information see their website.

Virtual and in person meeting

Cost: See details

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Twitter

Our message is clear and simple. There is no safe way to strangle.

Following the introduction of new legislation which recognises strangulation as a stand alone offence, we are driven to highlight and tackle the severity of strangulation and the deep impact on the victims/survivors.

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