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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: FREE 
Half day session: FREE

SafeLives is working in partnership with IFAS (funded by the Home Office) to deliver these training sessions.

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.

Webinar sessions

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

12/02/25: Webinar

Time: 10am– 12pm

Half day sessions

The half day sessions are FREE and open to the following agencies: police, probation, health, social care, domestic abuse and sexual violence support services. If you are interested in any of the below sessions but cannot attend this date, please contact us at trainingcommissions@safelives.org.uk

22/01/25: Half-Day Session

Open to domestic abuse and sexual violence support services

 

Time: 10am – 1.30pm

This is an online training

 

If you are interested in the session but cannot attend this date, please contact us at trainingcommissions@safelives.org.uk

29/01/25: Half-day session

Open to Police professionals and professionals working in Probation and perpetrator services

 

Time: 10am – 1.30pm

This is an online training

 

If you are interested in the session but cannot attend this date, please contact us at trainingcommissions@safelives.org.uk

05/02/25: Half-day session

Open to professionals working in social care

 

Time: 10am – 1.30pm

This is an online training

 

If you are interested in the session but cannot attend this date, please contact us at trainingcommissions@safelives.org.uk

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About training with SafeLives

Our training supports professionals to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, understand the issues, and respond quickly and effectively when a victim needs help.
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Engaging with those who harm

This course helps build confidence and skill in responding directly to the perpetrator, extending existing professional competencies in holding them to account, assessing their readiness to engage in in-depth specialist behaviour change work, and effectively use referral pathways to those interventions.

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