Non fatal strangulation

[iníontíre]

XP seriously assaulted me by strangulation 6 weeks ago.

wondering if anyone has any experience of abusers being convicted for coercive control or non fatal strangulation? What kind of sentences have people seen being doled out? Or is it just a slap on the wrist in practice?

finding it very difficult to cope with all the unknowns, any insights would be much appreciated.

There is now a specific offence for non-fatal strangulation, but the relevant law only came into effect 2 months ago and there are no sentencing guidelines yet, so it is difficult to say how the courts will treat it. It carries a maximum sentence of 12 months a fine if the case goes before the magistrates, 5 years if it goes to the Crown Court. Actual sentences are likely to be lower than the maximum.

Hi OP. So sorry to hear about what you have experienced.

As the offence is so new I don't think anyone has been sentenced with it yet, it often takes many months for these matters to get to court after a charge.

I have received several charges for this offence since June but i am yet to hear sentencing outcome. Once things get to court so many things are in play. For instance with domestic abuse it is very rare for someone to get a custodial sentence for a first offence, sadly. However if they have a long history of similar offending it can be more likely.

You can report historic offences to the police should you feel able.

Not a lawyer... there's a case in the news today about the first conviction for non fatal strangulation. 34 months but there were other offenses as well.

Good luck.

Just read about it! A lot of similarities with what happened to me to be honest. Fingers crossed for a similar outcome.

Thanks so much for your advice, it's much appreciated.

XP was arrested twice in relation to the assault against me. He was also arrested on one other occasion that I know of, when he was 17. He was accused of rape and told me that he was released with no further action. He is a pathological liar so this could be the tip of the iceberg.

Police also turned up at the door whilst we were together to question him in relation to an anonymous allegation of historic sexual abuse against him. As far as I know this too was not taken further than questioning, but I don't know for sure. Hopefully all this will look pretty bad for him. I wouldn't be at all surprised if there was more than I'm aware of.

Oh goodness I hope you're ok.

Hi OP
Did you see the news today of a man (Benjamin Flatters) who's been jailed for 34 months for this offence? Hope this encourages you.

www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincolnshire/news/2022/aug-2022/man-guilty-of-non-fatal-strangulation-offence-sentenced-to-34-months-in-prison/

Yes! I have been following it in the news. The victim was so brave to come forward and speak out. I'm hoping for a similar outcome. Even if XP doesn't get a custodial sentence it would help me so much to be granted a long term restraining order like in the case of Benjamin Flatters. It really has encouraged me.