Non-Fatal Strangulation
What is non-fatal strangulation?
Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) occurs when someone applies pressure to the neck or throat of another person without causing immediate death. Sometimes referred to as choking or breath play, NFS restricts breathing and reduces blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
NFS is a highly dangerous act that can have serious, life-threatening medical consequences even if there are no visible injuries. Signs of harm often appear hours, days, weeks or even months after an experience of NFS.
NFS can be performed manually (with hands or arms), with ligatures or by applying weight to the neck or chest.
Non-fatal strangulation is often used as a form of control and intimidation in abusive relationships. However, an increasing number of people, particularly young people, are experimenting with NFS during consensual sex.
Non-fatal strangulation is a standalone criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
NFS can cause injury to the blood vessels in the neck, injury to the vocal cords, blood clots, strokes, seizures, brain injury, long-term cognitive or memory problems and even death.
NFS can cause severe internal damage even without visible external marks. According to research from the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), 50% of NFS victims will have no visible external injury to their head or neck but that does not mean harm wasn’t caused.
Victims of NFS may experience one or more of the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or blurred or loss of vision
- Pain, swelling and / or muscle spasms in the neck or throat
- Confusion
- Voice changes
- Headaches
- Fainting, seizures or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness on one side of the body
If you have been strangled in the last 72 hours, it’s important to get medical help immediately, even if you do not have any obvious symptoms.
Non-fatal strangulation is often used as a form of control and to exert power and instil fear in abusive relationships. The presence of NFS in an abusive relationship significantly increases the risk of further serious harm or homicide.
You cannot safely restrict someone’s air or blood flow. No technique makes it risk-free. Strangulation is a highly dangerous act, even if only done once or if only “light pressure” is applied. Even if risks cannot be seen or felt at the time, harm can be extensive and, in extreme cases, life-threatening.
Ultimately, there is no safe way to engage in strangulation.
If you have experienced NFS, Victims First can offer support. Contact us on 0300 1234 148 or use our online form found at Get Support Now.
The Institute for Addressing Strangulation has devised an information leaflet for victims of NFS.
Myth: It is okay if there are no marks.
Fact: 50% of NFS victims have no visible external injury like bruising or marks but the absence of an external injury does not mean that no internal damage was caused.
Myth: If they seemed okay afterwards, there is no risk.
Fact: Signs of harm often appear hours, days, weeks or even months after an experience of NFS. The lack of immediate medical consequence can be dangerous for victims as it may mean they do not appreciate the severity of risk. Harm can be extensive and, in the most extreme cases, life-threatening. If you’ve been strangled, get checked by a medical professional. You won’t be wasting anyone’s time.
Myth: NFS can be done safely.
Fact: You cannot safely restrict someone’s air or blood flow. Strangulation is a highly dangerous act, even if only done once or if only “light pressure” is applied.
Myth: NFS isn’t a violent act.
Fact: Non-fatal strangulation is used by perpetrators of domestic abuse to instil fear and exert power and control. It is one of the strongest predictors of future serious violence or homicide in abusive relationships.
Myth: NFS is not psychologically harmful.
Fact: Survivors of NFS frequently experience severe psychological trauma. Many report feeling like they were going to die during an NFS episode. This inherently triggers profound feelings of fear and powerlessness often resulting in stress responses such as nightmares and panic attacks, dissociation, depression and anxiety as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Myth: Only people in abusive relationships experience NFS.
Fact: While strangulation happens in unsafe and abusive relationships, an increasing number of people, particularly young people, are experimenting with NFS during consensual sex – often without knowing the risks.
Myth: Strangulation only occurs in BDSM sex or hardcore porn.
Fact: Strangulation occurs in all kinds of relationships and is on the rise. Research conducted by the Institute for Addressing Strangulation in November 2025 showed that of over 4,100 young adults (aged 16-34), over 55% of them have either been strangled or strangled someone else during sex. (Strangulation During Sex in the UK - Institute for Addressing Strangulation)
Myth: NFS isn’t illegal.
Fact: Non-fatal strangulation is a standalone criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
Myth: It’s okay if someone wants you to do it.
Fact: Consent does not make a harmful act safe.
Myth: I consented to NFS so cannot report the incident to the police or receive support.
Fact: Regardless of whether you discussed and consented to NFS before engaging in it, NFS is still illegal and you can report the incident to the police and / or receive support from medical professionals and support services. Many people agree to NFS not realising the risks or harm involved. Experiencing strangulation can also provoke a sense of terror and a psychological response people don’t anticipate and for which they need support in the aftermath.
Myth: I consented to NFS, so the perpetrator has a defence if I report the incident to the police.
Fact: The law states that when someone is experiencing severe bodily harm, such as having their airways and blood flow restricted, they cannot consent to any activity, regardless of whether they consented to the initial act or not. A defendant also cannot rely on a victim’s consent to the infliction of harm as a defence.