Non-fatal Strangulation/Suffocation (NFSS)
For Professionals
Non-fatal strangulation/suffocation is a common and dangerous form of intimate partner violence and is an offence in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Background
A new offence of strangulation/suffocation came into force in New Zealand on the 3rd December 2018 to reflect that strangulation/suffocation is one of the most lethal forms of family violence. Strangulation/suffocation can have significant long and short term psychological and physical impacts. Victims of non-fatal strangulation/strangulation (NFSS) are at a significantly higher risk to serious injury or death when perpetrated by an intimate partner or former intimate partner.
The Ministry of Health has contracted MEDSAC to design and develop a NFSS education and accreditation programme to enable the provision of expert medical forensic assessments of NFSS and expert medico-legal opinions to inform the patients/victims, the NZ Police, and legal counsel engaged in litigation activities resulting from NFSS incidents.
Non-Fatal Strangulation/Suffocation Training Programme
Access to the training is managed by MEDSAC membership entitlement/status and qualifications.
You are entitled to access at least one of these modules if you are a registered doctor or nurse working:
- in an acute care setting e.g., ED, A&M or GP clinic, and have an independent role in the assessment of patients with injuries
- as a Police Medical Officer
- in a funded Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATS)
Please select the group relevant to you below to see which modules you are able to access. If you are not currently a member, click here to apply.
1
Group Tahi:
Group Tahi:
Introduction
People interested in a general awareness of non-fatal strangulation/suffocation.
Membership of MEDSAC is not required.
2
Group Rua:
Group Rua:
Intermediate
Registered Doctors & Nurses working in acute care settings (e.g. ED, A&M or GP clinics) who currently have an independent role in the assessment of patients with injuries, including those who may have experienced NFSS.
Membership of MEDSAC is required (conditions apply).
3
Group Toru:
Group Toru:
Advanced
Registered Doctors & Nurses, on a MEDSAC accreditation pathway, working in funded sexual abuse assessment and treatment services (SAATS) and Police Medical Officers, who have an expert role in assessing patients who have experienced NFSS.
Membership of MEDSAC is required (conditions apply).
4
Group Wha:
Group Wha:
Expert
Registered Doctors & Nurses, who are MEDSAC accredited, working in funded sexual abuse assessment and treatment services (SAATS) and Police Medical Officers, who have an expert role in assessing patients who have experienced NFSS.
Membership of MEDSAC is required (conditions apply).
Module #2
Injury Documentation and Interpretation: Non-Fatal Strangulation and Suffocation
NFS Training
Module #4