The Institute for Addressing Strangulation
The Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) was established in October 2022, following the introduction of new legislation on strangulation and suffocation as a stand-alone offence.
Prior to this strangulation and suffocation did not have the focus required given the dangers of the offence and tended either to be not charged at all or charged as a generic offence such as common assault, or sometimes actual bodily harm.
By recognising strangulation as a stand alone offence highlights the severity of strangulation and the deep impact on the victim/ survivor.
The message is clear. There is no safe way to strangle.
The Institute aims to raise awareness of strangulation and the associated risks, conduct research, develop resources, and to train professionals in responding to and supporting victims/survivors of these assaults. IFAS works in partnership with SafeLives and Bangor University.
The Institute will lead on guiding professionals through the best practice in supporting victims/ survivors of strangulation through a medical and forensic lens.
Funded by the Home Office, The Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) sits within the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM).
The FFLM is a registered charity set up to develop and maintain the highest possible standards of competence and professional integrity in forensic and legal medicine.
IFAS Conference: From Data to Action
Join IFAS at the Crowne Plaza in Birmingham on Tuesday 30 April 2024 for a groundbreaking in-person conference that transcends data into actionable change.
This event will feature the latest clinical guidelines, critical research, and renowned guest speakers, empowering frontline professionals, organisations, and individuals to enhance their support for victims and survivors of strangulation.
Key Highlights include:
- Crucial insights from Domestic Homicide Reviews.
- Thought-provoking panel discussion.
- In-depth exploration of challenging topics relating to rough sex behaviours, interpersonal violence and brain injuries.
- A poignant Survivor’s Voice, providing a unique family perspective.
For more information and to book your place, click here. Limited number of reduced charity rate tickets available.
Webinars for Sexual Health Clinicians
IFAS has launched a series of webinars which will be delivered by expert speakers specifically targeted at clinicians working in sexual health. The webinars will provide detailed insight into identifying and supporting patients who have experienced strangulation, either as part of a consensual relationship or as a victim of assault, and present in the sexual health setting.
The series of 3 webinars will take place on:
- Tuesday 13 February 2024
- Tuesday 27 February 2024
- Tuesday 12 March 2024
The webinars will include survivor testimonies of their experience of reporting and response from healthcare professionals, providing clinical staff with a first-hand insight into the lived experience of those strangled and the prevalence and impact of this insidious crime.
These webinars are free to attend for clinicians working in sexual health.
To book your place, please click here.
IFAS Website
Click here to visit the IFAS website to access their resources: https://ifas.org.uk