The project began after conversations with clinicians delivering the service, who identified a need for materials that could be used within clinics to let people know support is available. While we know non-fatal strangulation and suffocation occurs in our communities, it is often underreported, making accessible and meaningful health messaging an important part of connecting people with care.
A key consideration during development was ensuring the language reflected the many ways strangulation and suffocation can occur, while remaining appropriate for use in family-focused healthcare settings. To support this approach, we reached out to Debs Murray from ECLIPSE Family Violence Services, whose lived experience insight helped shape messaging that is both trauma-informed and responsive to the needs of those it is intended to reach.
Recognising the diversity of the communities we serve, the resources were also translated into te reo Māori, Hindi, and Samoan to help reduce barriers to information and improve accessibility.
These new resources, including patient information brochures, A3 posters, social media tiles and TV screen slides, are all available below for download in all four languages.
This project, however small, highlights the value of working directly with end users and those with lived experience when developing health resources. By listening to the people who will use, deliver, and be impacted by these materials, we can create messages that are more relevant, more inclusive, and ultimately more effective in helping people access the support they need.
NFSS patient information brochure
This brochure explains what happens to the body during strangulation or suffocation, outlines warning signs to watch for, and details what’s involved in a Non-Fatal Strangulation and Suffocation Assessment Service. Its primary focus is ensuring people understand the health risks and can make informed decisions about their safety. It is now available in English, Hindi, Samoan and te reo Māori.
Non-Fatal Strangulation & Suffocation - Patient Info in English
PDF, 136.1 KBNon-Fatal Strangulation & Suffocation - Patient Info in Hindi
PDF, 193.5 KBNon-Fatal Strangulation & Suffocation - Patient Info in Samoan
PDF, 125.4 KBNon-Fatal Strangulation & Suffocation - Patient Info in te reo Māori
PDF, 138.9 KBAdditional NFSS awareness resources
These posters, social media tiles and TV screen slides can be used within clinics or community environments to help raise awareness of the Non-Fatal Strangulation and Suffocation Assessment Service and let people know support is available. All materials are available in English, Hindi, Samoan and te reo Māori with versions on a light or dark background.
