A group of people sat in a room, focus on one women who is speaking.

Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) training for professionals

We have developed non-fatal strangulation (NFS) training for professionals, while working with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation, for a range of professionals who encounter victims and survivors of non-fatal strangulation

Key course features

Our NFS training will help learners to:

Understand the NFS legislation
Identify the risks and prevalence of NFS
Explore the links between NFS and domestic abuse/sexual violence
Recognise the signs and symptoms of NFS
Confidently risk assess survivors and perpetrators of NFS
Understand the impact of NFS on victims/survivors

Course overview

Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is used by perpetrators of domestic abuse to control and intimidate their victim. It is an insidious and lethal form of physical violence which recently became a standalone criminal offence in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Despite the strong link between NFS and domestic homicide, it can be difficult to evidence due to a lack of visible injury.

It is vital that professionals understand NFS and the risks it poses.

We’re thrilled to have worked with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation to develop and deliver training for a range of professionals who encounter victims and survivors of NFS. Professionals interacting with victims and survivors must make an accurate and timely risk assessment, so they can get them the right support as quickly as possible.

We are currently offering:

Introductory eLearning

Introductory webinars

After which, you will be able to book onto a:

One-day advanced course (tailored to your sector).

I felt like I didn’t know my own name afterwards, all I could think during the attack was, I can’t believe I’m going to die like this.

Survivor of non-fatal strangulation

Introductory NFS Webinars and eLearning

Our NFS webinars and eLearning provide professionals with an introduction to the topic and form a foundation for our one-day advanced courses.

The content includes an understanding of:

NFS legislation – NFS as a standalone offence

The risks and prevalence of NFS

The link between NFS and domestic abuse/sexual violence

The signs and symptoms of NFS.

The Webinars and eLearning also feature the voice and real-life experience of a NFS survivor.

Please note that these sessions are not interactive.

The Webinar is a live session hosted by the SafeLives Lead Trainer.

Time commitment: Webinar 90 minutes, eLearning approx. 45 mins.

Cost: Free

Very valuable research delivered in this training’, ‘Thank you, the training was extremely informative’.
Quote from webinar learner

Previous learner

Advanced online NFS training for professionals

Please note you must have attended a webinar or completed the eLearning prior to attending this course.

This online one-day course will build upon the introductory learning from the webinars/eLearning and will include interactive activities and discussion.

Each session is tailored to professionals from the following sectors: Police, probation, social care, domestic abuse and sexual violence support services, and professionals working with young people.

The content explores:

Counter allegations in cases of NFS

NFS and consensual sexual relationships

The physical and psychological impacts of NFS

Practical resources for professionals (produced by IFAS)

Risk assessing survivors/perpetrators of NFS

A real life NFS case study

The voice and real-experience of a victim.

Time commitment: Full day

Cost: Free

I don’t even know where to begin. This is probably the most valuable training that I've attended in a long time. I think all professionals should know this information. All too often we can become numb to these reports of someone being assaulted or strangled. We know and understand it’s traumatic, but I don’t think we are fully informed about the risks.

Previous learner

Course overview

Introductory NFS Webinars and eLearning

The content includes an understanding of:

Time commitment: Webinar 90 minutes, eLearning approx. 45 mins.

Cost: Free

Advanced online NFS training for professionals

The content explores:

Time commitment: Full day

Cost: Free

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