Agencies across Gloucestershire have come together to raise awareness of the dangers of non-fatal strangulation following an increase in reports.
Gloucestershire Constabulary has recorded a 12% rise in incidents over the past year, from 216 offences to 242.
Partner agencies, including the NHS, Gloucestershire County Council and charities providing specialist support services, have also reported an increase in disclosures.
The majority of offences recorded by police – 80.2% – 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.”
The campaign is being led by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with police and partner agencies delivering awareness activity 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.”
Support available
Anyone who has experienced any kind of sexual violence at any time in their life, either recently or in the past, can find a list of support services in the South West through Survivor Pathway.
For information about domestic abuse, how to report it and organisations providing support, visit Gloucestershire Constabulary’s domestic abuse information pages.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, commonly known as Clare’s Law, also gives members of the public the right to ask police if their partner may pose a risk to them.
The scheme also allows someone to make an enquiry about the partner of a close friend or family member.
More information about the campaign, including advice about non-fatal strangulation, is available from Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
