Deadly Violence: Strangulation, a high-risk precursor to domestic homicide

This is an optional Pre-Conference Workshop on Monday 22 June 2026 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This intensive pre-conference workshop brings world-leading investigative, forensic and domestic violence expertise to Brisbane for a rare, in-person deep dive into one of the most confronting and complex areas of high-risk domestic violence response.

Delivered by internationally recognised experts Gael Strack and Dr Bill Smock, and supported by Australian subject matter experts including Dr Claire Ferguson, homicide research expert at QUT, this bespoke workshop will examine the intersection between non-fatal strangulation, suspicious deaths, hidden homicides, and the challenges of identifying when violence has been staged to conceal the truth.

Drawing on decades of frontline casework, forensic medicine, research and systems reform from the United States and internationally, participants will explore how perpetrators manipulate crime scenes, exploit assumptions, and evade accountability, and what professionals must do differently to detect and respond to warning signs, preserve evidence, and strengthen outcomes.

Participants will strengthen their understanding of:

• The medical and forensic realities of fatal and non-fatal strangulation
• Why strangulation is one of the strongest predictors of future lethal violence
• Hidden homicides and the classic indicators of staged crime scenes
• Common investigative pitfalls, including confirmation bias and premature assumptions
• Best practice responses to suspicious death cases involving intimate partner violence
• Emerging approaches to strangulation investigation and evidence preservation
• The role of family engagement, multidisciplinary review and cross-sector collaboration
• Lessons from real case studies and practical application to Australian systems and processes.

Grounded in evidence, lived case experience, and practical multidisciplinary discussion, this workshop is designed for professionals working across domestic and family violence, policing, forensic medicine, coronial services, justice, health, child protection and victim advocacy.

This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from global leaders whose work has transformed international understanding of strangulation and suspicious deaths, and whose insights continue to shape policy, investigation and prevention efforts worldwide.

Places are intentionally limited to support robust discussion, practical learning and direct engagement with faculty and peers.