Arabic version: منتدى في هوبارت يدعو إلى استجابة أقوى للخنق

According to ABC News, a Hobart forum hosted by advocacy organisation Engender Equality brought police, GPs, social workers and family violence workers together with experts and women with lived experience to improve recognition of non-fatal strangulation.

Strangulation is identified as a key indicator of escalating family violence and may cause a seizure in 14 seconds. Dr Chantal Roddy, who spoke at the forum, said a police officer helped her understand the seriousness of abuse by a former partner and supported her to obtain a family violence order.

Tasmania changed its laws in 2022 to recognise strangulation as a standalone crime, with a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison. Family violence experts, however, said services for victim-survivors needed to be better integrated.

Melbourne Law School Professor Heather Douglas said a person who has experienced strangulation has a 7.5 times greater chance of being killed or experiencing attempted homicide than women who have not. She said strangulation could be a warning sign for future homicide, even when it leaves no easily visible injuries.

Strangulation can cause stroke, seizures, PTSD and brain injury, and may leave victim-survivors with fragmented memories or appearing incoherent. Professor Douglas said first responders should avoid credibility judgments based on presentation and use approaches including more time, breaks and a calmer setting.

Research cited by Professor Douglas found children were present in 50 per cent of Queensland strangulation cases. Engender Equality chief executive Alina Thomas said police, ambulance and health services needed more comprehensive responses, including asking the right questions and delivering appropriate support.