1,755 arrests for non-fatal strangulation in first two years of new legislation

Between June 26, 2023, and May 31 this year, there were 1,893 non-fatal strangulation reports recorded by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). In this time officers investigating have made 1,755 arrests resulting in 765 charges.

Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher explains: “Our figures show that between ten to 12 per cent of reporting domestic abuse victims have experienced non-fatal strangulation, placing them at the highest risk. In fact, studies have shown that in domestic abuse settings, victims are eight times more likely to be murdered by their partner if they have previously strangled them.

“We have made a significant amount of arrests and hit the ground running with this new legislation in just the first two years. Over 2,000 officers have received specific training. We hope that this gives victims the confidence to come forward and continue reporting knowing that our officers are recognising and responding to the seriousness of this violent act.”

Before this legislation, investigating police officers would have to provide evidence of intent to commit an indictable offence. For example, if someone had been strangled in what was believed to be a sexually motivated attack, the officer would have to show that the perpetrator intended to commit sexual assault before they could pursue prosecution.

This new legislation is punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment. Non-fatal strangulation includes any part of the body or another object such as a ligature like a scarf or belt, chokeholds or headlocks, hanging, drowning or smothering.

Strangulation and suffocation can also at times, leave no visible injury, making it previously even more difficult to prosecute, the PSNI said.

Det Supt Fisher added: “It is common for strangulation to leave no visible signs of injury and consequences can be delayed by days or weeks. These include stroke, cardiac arrest, miscarriage, incontinence, seizures, memory loss and long-term brain injury.

“Consciousness can be lost after as little as four seconds. Blocking the jugular vein can take less pressure than opening a can of coke. Loss of consciousness indicates at the very least, a mild brain injury and many victims lose control of their bladder and bowels.

“Often strangulation is glorified as a gratifying act for both parties in pornography and young people in particular are susceptible to thinking this could be a fun, ‘consensual’ act to spice things up. However, the reality is far from the case. Consent to rough sex is not a defence.”