Domestic Abuse Conference aims to empower and inform across South Eastern HSC Trust area
A warm invitation has been extended across the South Eastern Trust, along with its statutory partners, are preparing to host a conference focusing on ‘Understanding Non-Fatal Strangulation and Domestic Abuse’.
Domestic Abuse affects one in four women and one in six men at some point in their lives.
Taking place from 9am-1.30pm at Newcastle’s Burrendale Hotel, the conference, in collaboration with several organisations, including the PSNI, will host key note speaker Forensic Physician from Manchester University Dr Farah Yusuf.
Those in attendance will also hear from PSNI’s Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher and the Public Prosecution Service’s Caroline Conway.
The conference will take place on Thursday October 24th with registration at 9am.
For further information and to register please email Traci Kimber at:
traci.kimber@setrust.hscni.net
(and please include your name, email and dietary requirements.)
This conference may be of interest to anyone working in health, counselling, social work or legal areas.
On Non Lethal Strangulation
Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) in the context of domestic abuse refers to an act where one person intentionally restricts another person’s airflow or blood flow by applying pressure to the neck, without causing immediate death.
Though the victim survives, the act can result in serious physical and psychological harm. It is a form of violent control used to exert power and intimidation over the victim.
Hands, ligatures such as scarves, belts or ropes can be used to exert pressure, and also chokeholds where a person restricts the airways or blood flow.
NFS can lead to physical injuries such as internal damage, or more serious damage to the neck, throat, voice box, and blood vessels.
Neurological damage can also occur through lack of oxygen (hypoxia) to the brain during strangulation leading to brain damage, memory loss, unconsciousness, or long-term cognitive impairment.
And lastly, psychological effects may also be evident. Survivors often experience PTSD, anxiety, and fear due to the extreme vulnerability and trauma experienced during the attack.
A lethal outcome is the worst case scenario in this dangerous form of domestic abuse.
It significantly increases the risk of homicide in abusive relationships. Research shows that victims who have experienced NFS are seven times more likely in the UK to be killed by their partner.
