Strangulation survivor urges stricter sentencing as crime reports increase
Domestic abuse survivor Rachel Williams is advocating for stricter sentencing for strangulation offenses in England and Wales. She highlights the severe health risks associated with strangulation and welcomes the increasing recognition of the act as a standalone crime.
Why it matters
It highlights the legislative progress and ongoing challenges in addressing domestic violence, specifically regarding the physical and long-term health impacts of strangulation.
Image caption, Rachel was strangled by her partner as part of an 18-year abusive relationship
A woman who was strangled during an 18-year abusive relationship has welcomed new figures showing the offence is being increasingly recognised and reported.
More than 44,000 reports of strangulation were made to police in the past year in England and Wales, according to a new report. , external
Rachel Williams said it was good news the offence was being taken seriously after becoming a standalone criminal offence four years ago, and that its effects can be catastrophic.
She added there was always more action to be taken to protect victims, and wants to see robust sentences for convicted perpetrators.
Warning: This article contains distressing descriptions of domestic violence
Image source, Rachel Williams Image caption, Rachel says her ex-partner, pictured with her here in the pub, made light of strangulation, even mimicking it in public
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