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Strangulation and suffocation charges in England and Wales rose nearly sixfold after a 2022 law change, reflecting better recognition of such acts as serious domestic abuse.
Strangulation and suffocation charges in England and Wales have surged nearly sixfold since the 2022 introduction of a standalone domestic abuse offence, rising from 1,483 to 8,545 charges by 2024–25, with 2,656 in early 2025–26.
The increase, driven by better police identification, more victims coming forward, and prosecutors using the new law, reflects a shift toward recognizing these acts as serious crimes, even without visible injuries.
The maximum five-year sentence aims to close a legal gap where such assaults were previously charged as minor assaults.
The Crown Prosecution Service reports widespread use of the charge, often alongside other abuse offences, and highlights growing awareness of the life-threatening risks.
Los cargos de estrangulación y asfixia en Inglaterra y Gales aumentaron casi seis veces después de un cambio en la ley de 2022, lo que refleja un mejor reconocimiento de tales actos como abuso doméstico grave.