The UK Government has recently announced a move to criminalize the depiction of strangulation in pornography. This step comes as part of its broader effort to protect women and tackle violence against women and girls.
The decision follows the findings of the Independent Porn Review, which highlighted the dangerous impact of such content in normalizing harmful behaviors, especially among young people.
What Is the Ban on Strangulation in Pornography?
The Government has decided to make any form of pornography that shows strangulation illegal through an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The purpose of this decision is to safeguard women from the growing issue of violence, both online and in real life.
Strangulation during sexual activity has been portrayed as a ‘sexual norm’ in some online materials, which can be misleading and dangerous. It is believed that many people think it is safe or non-fatal, despite experts stressing that no form of strangulation is safe.
Why Is This Move Important?
Strangulation, even in the context of sex, can have severe consequences. It can cause serious harm, including memory loss, brain damage, and even death. Many individuals are unaware of the risks involved, largely due to its portrayal in online content, especially pornography.
The Government’s decision seeks to address this misconception and prevent further harm.
According to the Independent Porn Review led by Baroness Gabby Bertin, pornography is influencing attitudes about sex, often showing dangerous acts as normal or even desirable. This is particularly concerning because it’s reaching younger audiences who might not fully understand the dangers.
Expert Reactions to the Ban
The decision has been widely welcomed by experts and organizations working to protect women and girls. Jessica Asato, who campaigned for this change, said the move was vital in addressing the harm caused by such media.
Alex Davies-Jones, the Minister for Victims and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasized that pornography that shows strangulation is degrading and dangerous. She further stressed that the law aims to send a strong message that misogyny and violence against women will not be tolerated.
Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), also praised the Government’s action. She pointed out that there is no such thing as “safe” strangulation and that this content fuels dangerous behaviors, particularly among young people.
The portrayal of violence against women in porn, she argued, contributes to normalizing harmful attitudes and behaviors toward women.
The Legal Framework
The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill will build on existing laws, including the Obscene Publications Act of 1959 and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act of 2008. These laws already make it illegal to possess extreme pornography that shows life-threatening acts, such as strangulation.
With this new change, the UK Government aims to further protect women and ensure that the justice system holds offenders accountable for their actions.
This move is a significant step towards addressing the impact of pornography on societal attitudes, especially regarding the safety and rights of women.
By criminalizing the depiction of strangulation in pornography, the Government is taking a strong stance against the normalization of violence and providing greater protection for women and girls.
The change is in line with the Government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to halve violence against women and girls. With such measures, the hope is to create a safer environment for everyone, especially for women who have long been subjected to harm and exploitation.
