Criminal Justice Committee 21 May 2025
Good morning, convener and members. The harms of non-fatal strangulation are significant in the immediate term and in the long term. We are looking at brain damage, Alzheimer’s, impacts on cognitive function, organ failure and, potentially, death. The psychological impacts are also extensive. It is like a near-death experience. When someone has the oxygen to their brain restricted, their automatic response is to literally fight for their life. It is hugely traumatic, and we are sure that it can have immediate and long-term impacts. It is the ultimate act of control, and you know that whether you live or die is down to the perpetrator. In that moment, he—more often than not, it is a he—will decide whether he lets go or not, and it ends in only two different ways.
If you do not mind, I will quote some texts from my daughter’s case. Members will know that my daughter is no longer with us after being subjected to horrendous abuse. Knowing that she was subjected to those harms and fears impacts us all heavily. Indeed, you can see that through a couple of texts that she sent to friends. In relation to non-fatal strangulation, she said:
“I was so scared that I thought I was going to die”.
She then sent another one saying:
“I am so scared that I think I want to die”.
We can never underestimate the harms of such abuse. The perpetrator got 180 hours of community service.