UK Government to Criminalize Strangulation in Pornography to Protect Women

The UK Government has announced a decisive measure to combat the growing epidemic of violence against women and girls by banning the depiction of strangulation in pornography. This significant move aims to protect women from harm and challenge the normalisation of dangerous sexual acts prevalent in online content.

New Legislation Targets Dangerous Pornographic Content

Effective immediately with the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, any pornography featuring acts of strangulation will be deemed illegal. This crackdown follows the principal acceptance of a key recommendation from the Independent Porn Review, led by Baroness Gabby Bertin. The review’s findings highlighted a concerning trend where media, particularly pornography, has falsely established strangulation during sex as a ‘sexual norm’, perpetuating the dangerous misconception that it is a safe and non-fatal practice, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

This legislative update is a crucial component of the Government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which includes a firm pledge to halve violence against women and girls across the nation. Advocates like Jessica Asato have long campaigned for such measures, emphasizing the real-world impact of online content.

Ministers and Advocates Speak Out

Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, underscored the gravity of the situation:

“Depicting strangulation during sex is not only dangerous but also degrading, with profound real-life consequences for women. By cracking down on the alarming rise of strangulation pornography, we are taking a vital step to protect women and send an unequivocal message to men and boys that misogyny will not be tolerated.”

Echoing these sentiments, Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), welcomed the government’s intervention:

“We applaud the government’s decision to criminalise the depiction of strangulation in pornography. This reflects years of dedicated campaigning by EVAW and other experts who have consistently warned about the normalisation of violence against women and girls through online platforms.

There is no safe way to strangle a person; women cannot consent to the severe, long-term harm it can cause, including impaired cognitive functioning and memory loss. The pervasive portrayal of these acts in pornography is undeniably fuelling dangerous behaviours, especially among young audiences. This is a critical stride towards acknowledging the significant role violent pornography plays in shaping attitudes towards women and effectively regulating an industry that profits from promoting violence against them.”

Strengthening Existing Protections

The new amendment will be incorporated into the Crime and Policing Bill, which is central to the Government’s commitment to creating safer streets and a more robust justice system for victims. This legislation builds upon existing legal frameworks, including the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which already criminalise the possession of extreme pornography, defined as content depicting life-threatening acts.

Further specifics regarding the amendment are expected to be unveiled in due course, reinforcing the UK’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens and combating harmful online content.