New non-fatal strangulation law welcomed by Derry domestic abuse service

A new law that makes non-fatal strangulation a crime in Northern Ireland has been welcomed by a Derry domestic abuse service.

Foyle Family Justice Centre (FJC), which provides a multi-agency response to family violence, has been campaigning since 2014 about dangers of non-fatal strangulation.

Police in Northern Ireland can now charge people with non-fatal strangulation. Attackers who strangle or asphyxiate their victims are now facing up to 14 years in prison.

Chief Executive Officer of the FJC, Marie Brown, said that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and places victims at the highest risk.

Ms brown said: “It is the most terrifying experience for victims, which has devastating psychological effects on them, in addition to a potentially fatal one. Victims who have been strangled are eight times more like to murdered by their perpetrator.

“We know from victims coming forward to us that it is a very prevalent practice, designed to silence and control.

“The fact that there aren’t usually any visible external injuries means that people, including victims themselves, do not understand the dangers of non-fatal strangulation.”

The Foyle Family Justice Centre has been campaigning for the introduction of legislation and raising awareness among professionals and victims since 2014, when FJC board members, solicitor Karen O’Leary, Judge Barney McElholm and Ms Brown learned about the dangers of non-fatal strangulation at an Alliance for Hope conference in San Diego.

“We were really struck about the lack of awareness here on this issue and we have been working since to bring in legislation,” said Marie Brown.

“We hosted training in partnership with the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention for professionals and members of the judiciary in 2019 and the issue was championed by Judge McElholm, in particular.

“We are grateful to him for his role in getting this legislation in place and ultimately saving lives.”

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson also welcomed the news that the new non-fatal strangulation laws have come into effect.

She said the law “is another important step forward in how the criminal justice system, and indeed wider society, tackles the scourge of domestic and sexual abuse, and violence against women and girls”.

“The links between non-fatal strangulation and domestic abuse are well-established. We know that strangulation is used to control and terrify victims, and it can often cause serious physical and psychological injury, including fatal injuries.

"Non-fatal strangulation is widely believed to be a predicator of domestic homicide and it is vital our laws now reflect the seriousness of the offence.

"Strangulation is a vicious and deplorable act and it is right the PSNI now have the tools to prosecute perpetrators effectively.

"The creation of a new offence of non-fatal strangulation is another important step forward in how the criminal justice system, and indeed wider society, tackles the scourge of domestic and sexual abuse, and violence against women and girls.”

The Department of Justice said the new offence provided greater protection for victims.

"This crime can affect anyone and can occur in a number of circumstances. However, there are those who use strangulation and asphyxiation to exert control and fear in others, including in cases of domestic abuse.

"Research shows that this type of abuse is eight times more likely to result in domestic homicide.

"In recognition of the serious harm it causes, this new offence carries greater penalties than were previously available and today marks another step forward in making our community safer."