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Abstract

This research examines the frequency of non-fatal strangulation committed by high harm perpetrators of domestic abuse within the Project Foundation cohort. This includes reviewing how incidents of non-fatal strangulation are identified, recorded and risk assessed by officers from Hampshire Constabulary.
The study focusses on disclosures from 116 victims of domestic abuse linked to identified high harm priority perpetrators in the areas of Southampton and Eastleigh in Hampshire between January and December 2021. Data was provided by Hampshire Constabulary using victim disclosures to question 18 on the Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour-Based Violence risk assessment (DASH), which asked about their experiences of non-fatal strangulation. This assessment was completed by a police officer responding to a domestic abuse incident. The answers given to this question were then compared to statements that were produced following the incident and, where available, compared to the risk gradings given by the officer at the time. Interviews were completed with a small sample of police response officers from Hampshire Constabulary to provide a narrative around their experiences of responding to non-fatal strangulation.
The study identifies a high level of disclosures of non-fatal strangulation made by the victims of priority domestic abuse perpetrators. There are a number of inconsistencies identified regarding how disclosures are recorded within statements and a variety of risk gradings given. This demonstrates a lack of standardisation of how disclosures are recorded and reflected in statements, along with officers failing to correctly identify risk. A lack of confidence in responding to non-fatal strangulation was highlighted in interviews completed with a sample of police officers, which suggests a need for further training and directives from senior officers.
This study is important as it highlights an area where victims who are at high risk of harm are not having their experiences and concerns reflected by police, with inconsistent recording in statements and inappropriate risk grading. This may prevent victims accessing specialist services, result in them lacking confidence in police and prevent future reporting. This also results in priority perpetrators not being appropriately managed and their behaviour challenged and enforced.

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2023-05-03

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14120.html