London: Since the standalone offence of strangulation and suffocation was introduced in June 2022 under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, there has been a ‘soaring rise’ in charges, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Prosecutors reported 1,483 charges for the offence between July 2022 and March 2023. That number increased dramatically to 8,545 for the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025. Between April and June 2025 alone, 2,656 charges were recorded.
Kate Brown, Chief Crown Prosecutor and domestic abuse lead at the CPS, described strangulation as “a terrifying form of abuse and control that often signals escalating violence and extreme risk to victims.” The Chief emphasised that there is no safe way to strangle someone, calling this a dangerous myth.
Brown added that the public should know such behaviour is illegal, can lead to criminal records, and is often a warning sign of even more severe violence, including murder.
Domestic abuse – A common cause
The CPS stated that nine in ten incidents of strangulation are linked to domestic abuse. Before the introduction of the offence, such cases were often prosecuted as common assault, which did not reflect the gravity of harm or the risk posed to victims. Strangulation often co-occurs with coercive control, sexual offences, and image-based abuse.
Brown highlighted that prosecutors have been trained and equipped to identify these cases and bring charges appropriately. The Chief remarked that the increase in charges reflects that prosecutors are using the law as intended, to hold offenders accountable and protect victims from further harm.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves noted that strangulations are rarely isolated incidents. Victims are often subjected to sustained physical and psychological abuse that causes long-lasting harm and destroys lives.
Reeves added that the government is committed to halving violence against women and girls and ensuring every woman and girl feels safe. The Solicitor also emphasised the vital role of prosecutors in taking action against perpetrators and pledged to continue supporting victims of these crimes.
The CPS noted that the rise in charges represents a growing recognition of the offence and reflects its determination to tackle violence against women and girls, in line with the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan, which recognises the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.
Earlier this month, the government launched a new strategy, overseen by safeguarding minister Jess Philips, aimed at tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). Elements of the strategy include banning strangulation in pornography and introducing mandatory guidance in secondary schools to raise awareness about cultural issues, artificial intelligence, and the links between pornography and misogyny.
The offence of strangulation and suffocation carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.
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