The lived reality of this statistic is that many organisations working to combat domestic abuse (DA) and/or intimate partner violence (IPV), consider NFS as the last ‘warning shot’ before fatalities occur.
The lived reality of this statistic is that many organisations working to combat domestic abuse (DA) and/or intimate partner violence (IPV), consider NFS as the last ‘warning shot’ before fatalities occur.
THE ISSUE
THE ISSUE
WHAT IS NON-FATAL STRANGULATION (NFS)?
WHAT IS NON-FATAL STRANGULATION (NFS)?
Non-fatal strangulation, commonly shortened to the acronym NFS, occurs when pressure is applied to someone’s neck, face, head, or chest, restricting breathing or blood flow to the brain. It does not require visible injury or significant force to be dangerous. The Police Service of Northern Ireland defines the crime of NFS as typically involving a perpetrator strangling or intentionally affecting their victim’s ability to breathe. Common methods can include using hands, chokeholds or headlocks, objects like belts or scarves (ligatures), hanging, or pressure from a foot or knee.
It is important to note that NFS is definitionally different from choking (which involves something blocking the airway, like food) and suffocation (blocking the nose or mouth).
Non-fatal strangulation, commonly shortened to the acronym NFS, occurs when pressure is applied to someone’s neck, face, head, or chest, restricting breathing or blood flow to the brain. It does not require visible injury or significant force to be dangerous. The Police Service of Northern Ireland defines the crime of NFS as typically involving a perpetrator strangling or intentionally affecting their victim’s ability to breathe. Common methods can include using hands, chokeholds or headlocks, objects like belts or scarves (ligatures), hanging, or pressure from a foot or knee.
It is important to note that NFS is definitionally different from choking (which involves something blocking the airway, like food) and suffocation (blocking the nose or mouth).
WHY FOCUS ON NFS SPECIFICALLY?
WHY FOCUS ON NFS SPECIFICALLY?
NFS is a high-risk form of violence and a strong indicator of potential homicide. We know that victims are eight times more likely to be murdered by their partner if they have been subjected to non-fatal strangulation beforehand.
In the UK, 1 in 4 women accessing support services report having experienced NFS, and 25 percent of domestic homicides involve strangulation.
NFS is a high-risk form of violence and a strong indicator of potential homicide. We know that victims are eight times more likely to be murdered by their partner if they have been subjected to non-fatal strangulation beforehand.
In the UK, 1 in 4 women accessing support services report having experienced NFS, and 25 percent of domestic homicides involve strangulation.
NFS is a high-risk form of violence and a strong indicator of potential homicide. We know that victims are eight times more likely to be murdered by their partner if they have been subjected to non-fatal strangulation beforehand.
In the UK, 1 in 4 women accessing support services report having experienced NFS, and 25 percent of domestic homicides involve strangulation.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
PSNI POLICY
PSNI POLICY
Learn more about our recommendations for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Learn more about our recommendations for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS POLICY
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS POLICY
Read our policy recommendations for medical professionals.
Read our policy recommendations for medical professionals.
NI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE POLICY
NI DOJ POLICY
NI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE POLICY
Explore our recommendations for Northern Ireland's Department of Justice.
Explore our recommendations for Northern Ireland's Department of Justice.
Explore our recommendations for Northern Ireland's Department of Justice.
THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE POLICY
THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE POLICY
Learn more about our recommendations for Northern Ireland's Executive Office.
Learn more about our recommendations for Northern Ireland's Executive Office.
Learn more about our recommendations for Northern Ireland's Executive Office.
SUPPORTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
