Strangulation is one of the most lethal—and most overlooked—forms of assault in intimate partner and
gender-based violence. It can take seconds to cause unconsciousness and minutes to cause death. Even when it is not immediately fatal, non-lethal strangulation carries serious long-term health and psychological consequences, including traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Increasingly, survivors are reporting strangulation during sexual activity—often without clear, ongoing, or informed consent. Yet visible injuries
are often minimal, and survivors are frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or retraumatized by the very systems meant to protect them.

Join us for Breath and Power, a powerful full-day hybrid workshop that brings together professionals across sectors to recognize, assess, and respond to strangulation with clarity, urgency, and care. Grounded in trauma- and violence-informed practice, this training offers a deep understanding of the medical, legal, and psychological impacts of strangulation, along with tools for documentation, prosecution, and survivor advocacy.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify signs and symptoms of strangulation—even when physical evidence is absent
• Document and investigate strangulation cases with survivor safety in mind
• Understand the anatomy and lethality of strangulation and suffocation
• Navigate interagency responses with clarity and care
• Apply survivor-centred, anti-oppressive strategies in real-world cases

Who should attend:

Frontline workers, shelter and crisis line staff, justice system actors, mental health professionals, legal advocates, and anyone supporting survivors of intimate partner or gender-based violence.

Register today to receive access to tools, checklists, resource materials, and a certificate of participation.

Facilitated by: Angela Marie MacDougall, Executive Director, BWSS,
Hosted by: Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
This training is made possible with partial funding from a community foundation