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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
- ● Nov, 2024
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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.
Report 4: A Comparative Analysis of 150 Domestic Homicide Reviews
- ● Oct, 2024
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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
- ● Oct, 2024
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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.
An analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews with fatal strangulation (Report 3)
- ● Aug, 2024
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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 a crime in Scotland
- ● Nov, 2024
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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
- ● Nov, 2024
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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
- ● Nov, 2024
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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
- ● Sep, 2024
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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.
Latest Blog Posts
An estimated
20,000
strangulations a year are reported to women’s charities
Find out more about the prevalence of strangulation
Read moreIFAS 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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Our message is clear and simple. There is no safe way to strangle.
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.
Read more