How survivors shape research at IFAS: podcast and survivor advice sheet
How survivors shape research at IFAS: podcast and survivor advice sheet
July 2026
If you have been strangled, you may have questions about what has happened to your body, what to do next, and where to get help. This page brings together practical information and the experiences of survivors who have been there.
There is no safe way to be strangled. Whether it happened once or many times, recently or years ago, you are not to blame, and it is never too late to seek support.
Download Children and Young People Information Leaflet in English
Download Adult Victim Leaflet in English
Further languages are available after the podcast section – Romanian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Punjabi, Urdu, Welsh.
Listen: How survivors shape research at IFAS
In this episode, Dr Zoe Callon, Research Manager at IFAS, speaks with Marianne McGowan, Survivor Liaison, and ‘Aisha’, a survivor, about what recovery can look like and how lived experience shapes the way IFAS works.
Victim Information Leaflet
Strangulation can cause serious physical and psychological harm, even when there are no visible injuries. Only half of people who are strangled will have any injury that can be seen. Our victim information leaflet covers what symptoms to look out for, when to seek help, and what to expect from medical and forensic examinations.
Also available to download in:
Advice from Survivors
Advice from Survivors
“Take it every day as it comes. And no matter what you’re doing, you’re winning.” Amy
“Building those shoots of connection again is where the healing and the magic happens.” Rebecca
These words have been updated in the leaflet.
These words come from survivors who took part in IFAS research exploring the impact of strangulation on psychological wellbeing and recovery. You can read the full study here.
From survivors
IFAS research has found that strangulation is far more common than many people realise, and that its impact is widely misunderstood. Our research into strangulation offences in England and Wales shows recorded cases have risen 87% since the law changed in 2022. Behind every data point is a person. Our research exists to make sure those people are counted, heard and supported.
Get in touch
For general enquiries and further information about our training contact us and sign up to our newsletter
