A SOUTH Cumbrian based domestic abuse support charity has come out in support of making non-fatal strangulation a criminal offence.

At the moment non-fatal strangulation comes under common assault or attempted murder when a person is charged, but the campaign led by multiple women's groups across the country hoped to make it a criminal offence in its own right, as they believe the maximum penalties for common assault for example, six months in prison and an unlimited fine, are not strict enough for this type of offence.

Vanessa Dixon, chief executive officer at The Birchall Trust, said: "We are keen to raise awareness of the issue of non-fatal strangulation.

"We welcome the decision to make it a specific criminal offence as continuing with it being dealt with under existing legislation, such as common assault, minimised the seriousness of the crime and let perpetrators off with lighter sentences.

"Research indicates that domestic abuse survivors of non-fatal strangulation are seven times more likely to be killed by their partner or ex-partner and 80 per cent of survivors are likely to have a resulting health problem."

The Mail: PICTURED: Vanessa DixonPICTURED: Vanessa Dixon

The Birchall Trust, based in Barrow and Kendal, are still taking referrals and answering the phones during lockdown to anyone around rape and sexual abuse on 01229 820828.

Amendments, supported by domestic abuse victims, have been made to the Domestic Abuse Bill for the consideration of politicians and is currently being looked at in Parliament.

Lady Newlove, former victims’ commissioner put down the amendment last on January 5 when the bill came to the House of Lords.

It is a bill that is expected to pass, and the justice secretary, Robert Buckland, is hoping to add it a new offence to a police and sentencing bill next month, it is understood.

If this does go through, perpetrators could be facing up to seven years in prison after this sustained campaign from victims and activists.

Baroness Newlove said creating a stand-alone offence presents “a unique opportunity” for the Government to turn the tide on the “shockingly high number of victims”.

The Mail: CRIME: Baroness Newlove, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, gives evidence at the Justice Select Committee at the House of Commons. Picture: PA Wire CRIME: Baroness Newlove, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, gives evidence at the Justice Select Committee at the House of Commons. Picture: PA Wire

It was backed by Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird and Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs, as well as a cross-party alliance of peers and campaign groups.

At present, police can only take action under common assault laws, but campaigners say it is rarely prosecuted and in many cases it is overlooked because it often leaves little sign of injury on a victim.

Figures suggest strangulation is the second most common cause of death for women as a result of domestic violence, after stabbing, and is a known indicator for homicide.