Women’s Aid responds: non-fatal strangulation offence

Women’s Aid welcomes the introduction of the non-fatal strangulation offence which comes into force today.

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid said:

“We are pleased that the government has listened to survivors, campaigners and organisations working to end violence against women and has made non-fatal strangulation a criminal offence. We know that strangulation is a highly dangerous and common feature of countless domestic abuse cases. It is used as a tool to exert power and control and instil fear, and also indicates that the survivor is at high risk of serious injury or homicide, and should therefore be treated with extreme seriousness.

“We echo the domestic abuse commissioner’s calls for a dedicated government strategy to ensure this change in law is effectively implemented. This is a step in the right direction, but this law must be implemented fully to truly protect and support survivors at risk.”