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Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) training for professionals

Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) training for professionals, developed in partnership with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation, to help identify risks, understand the impact of strangulation, and support victims and survivors effectively.

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 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 provide the right support as quickly as possible.

We are currently offering:  

  • Introductory eLearning
  • Introductory webinars  
  • One-day, sector-specific course (in-depth and tailored to your role). 
  • In-house Non‑Fatal Strangulation (NFS) training, delivered 9.30am– 4pm. Training your team together creates shared understanding, clear thresholds, and immediate impact—supporting faster, more accurate interventions where risk is highest. To enquire, please email: [email protected]

 

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 a learning foundation for our one-day sector-specific 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 an NFS survivor.  

 Please note that these sessions are not interactive. 

 The webinar is a live session hosted by a SafeLives Lead Trainer. 

NFS webinar

or
Register HERE

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

Sector-specific advanced online NFS sessions (1 day)

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

 This in-depth, online, one-day course will build upon the introductory learning from the webinars or eLearning and 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: Fully funded for open course (for individual learners) / for group training of 5-25 learners per session please email: [email protected] for a quote

Please note: As this training is funded we do not accept learners to attend more than one full-day course, or repeat the same course twice.

Fully Booked: Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) Advanced Training for Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Support Services

Wednesday 9 September 2026

One day training 

Zoom

9.30am – 4pm

Register here

Fully Booked: Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) Advanced Training for Social Care Professionals

Tuesday 6 October 2026

One day training 

Zoom

9.30am – 4pm

Register here

Fully Booked: Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) Advanced Training for Professionals Working with Children and Young People

Thursday 5 November 2026 

One day training 

Zoom

9.30am – 4pm

Register here

Fully Booked: Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) Advanced Training for Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Support Services

Wednesday 18 November 2026 

One day training 

Zoom

9.30am – 4pm

Register here

Fully Booked: Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) Advanced Training for Social Care Professionals

Thursday 3 December 2026   

One day training 

Zoom

9.30am – 4pm

Register here

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

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