In the past year, over 44,000 reports of strangulation have been made to police in England and Wales, marking a significant increase in awareness of this serious crime. Rachel Williams, a survivor of strangulation and a key advocate for legal reform, highlights the need for stricter sentencing for offenders. She emphasizes that many victims may still feel unable to report such incidents, suggesting that actual numbers could be much higher.
The introduction of strangulation as a standalone criminal offence four years ago has led to a 13% rise in reported cases, according to a new report from the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS). This increase reflects a growing recognition of the crime’s severity and its potential long-term health impacts, including strokes and cognitive issues, which are often overlooked.
Williams, who endured an 18-year abusive relationship, stresses that the psychological and physical effects of strangulation can be catastrophic. She advocates for comprehensive training for medical professionals to better identify and treat victims, as many may not show visible signs of harm despite suffering serious internal injuries.
The government has also taken steps to address related issues, such as banning online pornography depicting strangulation. This move aims to combat the normalisation of such violence among young people, highlighting the urgent need for societal change in attitudes towards domestic abuse and its consequences.
Source: BBC News
