In a recent report, Sophie Henson, a 24-year-old domestic abuse survivor from Bridgend, expressed her profound concern regarding the leniency of a sentence given to her ex-partner, Zac Pennell, who was convicted of both coercive control and intentional strangulation. Henson stated that his sentence of merely 21 months for such a serious crime felt insufficient, particularly reflecting the severe psychological and physical dangers associated with strangulation. This incident occurred while she was 36 weeks pregnant, highlighting the vulnerability and risk for both her and her unborn child.
Sophie Henson’s heartfelt words, “It shouldn’t be disregarded as a small crime, I thought I’d die when it happened to me,” encapsulated the harrowing reality that many survivors of strangulation face. She, along with other survivors, welcomed recent initiatives from the Sentencing Council, which has issued new guidelines aimed at providing consistency and transparency in sentencing for strangulation offenses in England and Wales. The new guidelines mark a significant shift in how the criminal justice system perceives and punishes such acts of violence.
Witnessing a new beginning in the justice system has been a relief for many survivors like Henson. The Sentencing Council aims to ensure that judges have clear recommendations on how to treat such cases, spotlighting the grave risks of strangulation, which is often perceived as less serious due to the lack of visible injuries. Survivors have long advocated for recognition of the life-threatening nature of strangulation, emphasizing its potential to lead to long-term consequences such as brain injuries and even death.
In the recent development, the guidelines from the Sentencing Council are scheduled to come into effect on January 1. The guidelines are crucial in addressing the prevailing loophole in the judicial approach to offenses of strangulation and suffocation. Prior to this initiative, there was a concerning lack of direction for judges regarding the appropriate penalties for such offenses, which can vary drastically in severity. The new recommendations include specific aggravating factors that increase the seriousness of the offense, such as the presence of children or the victim being pregnant at the time of the incident.
Henson’s story is a stark reminder of the emotional toll and fear that victims endure. She described the terrifying sensation of being strangled as feeling “like a dead fish,” a visceral comment that amplifies the urgency of recognizing strangulation not merely as a crime but as a severe violation with lasting repercussions. This critical sentiment is echoed by fellow advocates and survivors who hope that these changes will empower more victims to come forward and seek justice.
Rachel Williams, another survivor who played a significant part in bringing these offenses into law, shared her harrowing experience of being shot by her ex-husband after enduring non-fatal strangulation earlier. Her plea for justice and the need for consistent and severe sentencing reflects a broader frustration within the abuse survivor community over weak sentences that don’t match the severity of the crime. She highlighted how the lack of accountability from the criminal justice system has perpetuated the cycle of violence.
Johanna Robinson, a member of the Sentencing Council, emphasized the critical nature of recognizing the serious harm caused by strangulation, both physically and psychologically. Robinson stated that the absence of physical marks does not diminish the potential for fatal outcomes, and it is vital for judges and the public to understand the severity of this issue.
The introduction of these guidelines signals a much-needed renewed focus on the protective measures for victims of domestic abuse and the recognition of strangulation as a serious crime. It ignites hope among survivors that the judicial system will begin to hold perpetrators accountable for their violent actions, thus, potentially changing the narrative surrounding domestic violence and ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve.
As communities rally against domestic violence, these new guidelines could serve as a significant step towards fostering an environment where survivors feel empowered to report their experiences and begin the process of healing from their traumatic encounters. Nevertheless, many advocates remain cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need for continuous public education and awareness as part of the broader fight against domestic violence.
