Understanding and Responding to Non-Fatal Strangulation
Featuring International Experts Dr Bill Smock and Gael Strack
26th June 2026 | Ocean International Mackay
Join internationally recognised experts Dr Bill Smock and Gael Strack for a unique professional development opportunity exploring the identification and response to non-fatal strangulation. Presented by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research in partnership with the Red Rose Foundation, this half-day symposium brings internationally recognised expertise to Mackay, creating a unique opportunity for frontline professionals to learn from leaders in the field. Attendees will gain practical insights, current evidence and emerging approaches to responding to non-fatal strangulation, while also having the opportunity to participate in discussion and Q&A and network over a light lunch with professionals from across the region.
Event Time: 9:00am–2:00pm
Registrations commence from 8:00am, with the symposium officially beginning at 9:00am
Where: Ocean International, Spinnakers Function Room, 1 Bridge Road, East Mackay, Queensland 4740, Australia
Ticket price: $85 per person
Includes: Morning tea and a light networking lunch
Who should attend?
Domestic and family violence practitioners, police, health professionals, social workers, lawyers, victim support workers, counsellors, community service workers and other frontline professionals.
Limited places available and registrations are essential.
Featured Speakers
Gael Strack
Pioneer of non-fatal strangulation research. Co-founded Alliance for HOPE International and the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention to reform responses to DFV strangulation in the United States. With over 30 years’ experience as a prosecutor, legal academic and systems reformer, Gael’s work has shaped legislation, advanced investigative practice and improved outcomes for victims of strangulation and other violent crimes.
Dr Bill Smock
Leading clinical forensic doctor on non-fatal strangulation. Police Surgeon in Louisville and medical director for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention in the United States, advancing evidence-based responses to DFV strangulation. An internationally recognised forensic expert, Dr Smock has investigated and reconstructed hundreds of fatal, near-fatal and non-fatal strangulation cases, training law enforcement, clinicians and prosecutors to strengthen evidence-based responses and improve justice outcomes.