The UK government has announced a ban on pornographic films that depict a certain dangerous act.
In a press release published on its official website, the government unveiled this measure as part of its commitment to reducing violence against women through the Plan for Change initiative.
Strangulation, a highly dangerous act, has been classified as a separate category in some adult content libraries due to its high number of views.
The UK government, aiming to eliminate violent portrayals on screen, acknowledges the widespread impact these depictions have and plans to criminalize any pornographic content featuring acts of strangulation.
“Depicting strangulation during sex is not only dangerous, but also degrading, with real-life consequences for women,” stated Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.
“Cracking down on the appalling rise of strangulation pornography will protect women and send a clear signal to men and boys that misogyny will not be tolerated.”
This follows findings from the Independent Porn Review, led by Baroness Gabby Bertin, indicating that ‘media sources such as pornography have established strangulation during sex as a “sexual norm”‘, leading to misconceptions that ‘strangling a partner during sex is “safe” due to a belief that it is non-fatal, despite evidence suggesting otherwise’.
Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), responded to the announcement by saying: “We welcome the government’s decision to criminalise the depiction of strangulation in pornography, a move that reflects years of campaigning by EVAW and other experts who have long warned about the normalisation of violence against women and girls in online content.
“There is no such thing as safe strangulation; women cannot consent to the long-term harm it can cause, including impaired cognitive functioning and memory. Its widespread portrayal in porn is fuelling dangerous behaviours, particularly among young people.”
“This is a vital step towards recognising the role violent pornography plays in shaping attitudes to women and regulating an industry which promotes and profits from violence against women.”
The UK government intends to amend the Crime and Policing Bill to enhance safety on the streets and strengthen the justice system for victims.
If you are facing domestic violence, please know that support is available. You can reach out 24/7 to the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). A list of local resources can be found here.