Islington strangulation service sees 288 referrals
New health pathway for victims of non-fatal strangulation launched in July, praised by council lead.
A specialist health service established in Islington for individuals who have experienced non-fatal strangulation has recorded 288 referrals. The service, which began operating in July, is designed to identify health complications arising from such abuse that survivors might not recognise themselves.
The multi-agency clinical service was developed in partnership with over 60 organisations, including the police and the NHS. It offers rapid medical assessments for victims of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation. The West and North London Integrated Care Board has acknowledged non-fatal strangulation as a significant public health and safeguarding concern, frequently associated with domestic abuse.
New Legislation and Recognition
This development coincides with the official enactment of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 in April this year. This legislation prohibits the possession or publication of pornography that depicts strangulation. Cllr Heather Staff, Islington Council's Cabinet Lead for Community Safety, described the ban as "bold, albeit necessary," and stated that "violence in pornography is linked to devastating real-life harm."
The Home Office and the Crown Prosecution Service recognise non-fatal strangulation as an indicator of domestic violence. Research from a 2007 medical study indicated that this act is a significant predictor of future lethal violence.
The government's ban follows a 2025 review into porn regulation, which found choking videos to be prevalent on mainstream platforms. The review concluded that such content normalises the act among young people. Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, stated that "there is no such thing as safe strangulation" and that its portrayal in pornography fuels dangerous behaviours.
During the legislative process, concerns were raised by an independent sex worker who warned that increased restrictions on legal pornography could lead to greater violence, poverty, and homelessness within the sex work industry, potentially driving it further underground.
Questions this report answers
01How many people has the new strangulation service in Islington helped?
The new multi-agency clinical service for victims of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation in Islington has received 288 referrals. This service, launched in July, provides rapid medical assessments to detect health issues resulting from the abuse.
02What is the Crime and Policing Act 2026?
The Crime and Policing Act 2026, which officially became law in April this year, bans the possession or publication of pornography depicting strangulation. This legislation aims to address the real-life harm linked to such content.
03Why is non-fatal strangulation considered serious?
Non-fatal strangulation is recognised by the Home Office and Crown Prosecution Service as an indicator of domestic violence. A 2007 medical study also concluded that it is a significant predictor of future lethal violence.
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