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 have two options for professionals wanting to increase their understanding of NFS and how it affects victim/survivors of domestic abuse. Both options include a ‘Victims Voice’ where learners will hear about the impact of NFS on victims/survivors.

  • Webinars –These are introductory online sessions with no interactivity for learners and no Q&A or chat facility available. We will cover the learning objectives above in a presentation style ‘lecture’.
  • Half-day sessions – Our half day NFS training sessions will be made up of much smaller learner numbers and will contain some group work and discussion. Learners will be able to apply some of their learning to a real-life case study of NFS before hearing from the survivor themselves talking about the impact of their experiences.

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

Time Commitment

Webinars last approximately 2 hours and and hosted online.

Half day sessions are 3.5 hours long and include learner activity in the form of a case study. We recommend that learners attend both (webinar first) to ensure a more thorough understanding of non fatal strangulation. There are both online and face to face options available for the half day sessions.

Eligibility

The webinars are open to all professionals, regardless of which agency you work for.

The half day sessions are open to the following agencies as specified on the schedule:

  • Police
  • Probation
  • Health
  • Social Care
  • Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support services

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

Price

Webinar: £50 per learner 
Half day session: £100 per learner

How to apply

Applications for the non-fatal strangulation webinars and half day sessions are open. See all available dates and sign up links below.

Accessibility

We welcome learners of all backgrounds and abilities. We encourage you to share with us any details on accessibility and diversity needs so we can ensure the right support is in place. You can also contact us if you have any queries via training@safelives.org.uk.

Applications for the Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) webinars and half-day sessions are now open.

Webinar sessions

The webinars £50 and are open to all professionals, regardless of which agency you work for.

Half day sessions

The half day sessions are £100 and open to the following agencies: police, probation, health, social care, domestic abuse and sexual violence support services.

12/06/24: Half-day session

Open to social care professionals

26/06/24: Half-day session

Open to current Independent domestic abuse advisors (Idva) and Independent sexual violence advisors (Isva)

17/07/24: Half-day session

Open to health care professionals

31/07/24: Half-day session

Open to professionals working in probation

18/09/24: Half-day session

Open to current Independent domestic abuse advisors (Idva) and Independent sexual violence advisors (Isva)

This is an in person session in our Bristol office

02/10/24: Half-day session

Open to social care professionals

This is an in person session in our Bristol office

16/10/24: Half-day session

Open to health care professionals

This is an in person session in our Bristol office

06/11/24: Half-day session

Open to police

This is an in person session in our Bristol office

15/01/25: Half-day session

Open to police

29/01/25: Half-day session

Open to professionals working in probation

This is an in person session in our Bristol office

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