Transforming Practices Conference 2026

Non‑fatal strangulation is no longer an issue seen only in adult intimate‑partner violence — it is now an emerging and deeply concerning trend among children and youth, appearing in peer‑on‑peer violence, sexual assault cases, high‑risk behaviours, and family‑based abuse. Even when no external injuries are visible, the physiological and neurological consequences can be severe, life‑altering, and sometimes fatal. Because these cases often present subtly, healthcare providers, social workers, educators, and law enforcement all play a critical role in early recognition, documentation, safety planning, and coordinated intervention. Increasing awareness and education across sectors is essential to protect vulnerable young people and prevent escalation to serious harm or homicide.

This session equips healthcare providers, social workers, educators, and law enforcement with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, assess, document, and respond to strangulation in young people. Participants will learn clinical red flags, trauma‑informed assessment strategies, safety‑planning considerations, and best‑practice documentation to support both medical care and legal processes. The goal is to strengthen cross‑sector awareness and ensure that no child experiencing strangulation goes unseen, unsupported, or unsafe.