Police and partner agencies across Gloucestershire have launched an awareness campaign after a rise in reports of non-fatal strangulation offences, warning that an assault can create serious risks even when there are no obvious injuries.
Gloucestershire Constabulary recorded 242 offences over the past year, compared with 216 previously. That represents a 12% increase. The campaign brings together the force, the NHS, Gloucestershire County Council and charities that provide specialist support, which have also reported an increase in disclosures.
The initiative is intended to explain the possible immediate and long-term harms of non-fatal strangulation, challenge misconceptions about consent and safety, and make sure people know where support is available. Awareness activity will take place online and in communities, including at Freshers’ events.
Most recorded victims were women or girls
Police data cited by the campaign shows that men or boys perpetrated 80.2% of the offences recorded by police. Women or girls accounted for 71.9% of victims.
Non-fatal strangulation became a standalone criminal offence in 2022 and carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. The offence covers intentionally strangling another person, or carrying out another act that affects their ability to breathe and constitutes battery.
Police say the behaviour can occur in relationships where domestic abuse is present. It can also happen during consensual sexual encounters, but the source material stresses that consent is not a defence where the person experiencing strangulation suffers serious harm, or where the person carrying out the act intended to cause serious harm or was reckless about whether serious harm would be caused.
Warning over delayed health complications
Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s lead for domestic abuse, described the offence as serious and potentially life-threatening.
“Non-fatal strangulation is a serious and potentially life-threatening offence.”
He said the increase in reports across the county was deeply concerning and explained why police had joined partner organisations in the campaign. The activity will focus on risks, long-term harm, misconceptions around consent and safety, and access to support.
“The increase in reports across Gloucestershire is deeply concerning which is why we have joined with our partners to support a campaign which highlights the risks and long-term harms or non-fatal strangulation, challenges misconceptions around consent and safety, and ensures people know how to access support.”
Police also warn that a lack of visible injuries does not mean an assault has not occurred or that the victim is safe. Delayed medical complications can include breathing difficulties, neurological issues and psychological trauma.
Det Supt Fletcher said non-fatal strangulation can be a significant indicator of escalating violence and future harm. Officers will work with partner agencies to safeguard victims, investigate reported offences thoroughly and hold perpetrators to account. The stated aim of the campaign, however, is to help prevent offences from taking place and reduce the number reported.
Support and information available
The campaign is being led by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Further information and advice about non-fatal strangulation is available through the trust.
Anyone who has experienced any kind of sexual violence, whether recently or at any time in the past, can find a list of South West support services through Survivor Pathway. Gloucestershire Constabulary also provides information about domestic abuse, reporting an offence and organisations that offer support.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, commonly known as Clare’s Law, gives people the right to ask police whether their partner may pose a risk to them. An enquiry can also be made about the partner of a close friend or family member.
The figures and campaign apply across Gloucestershire rather than identifying a particular Stroud neighbourhood. The supplied article displays both “Updated: September 17, 2026” and a publication date of September 19, 2026.
