bbc.com
Normalization of Non-Fatal Strangulation in Pornography Links to Real-Life Sexual Assault
A UK government review revealed the widespread presence of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) in online pornography, linking its normalization to real-life sexual encounters, particularly among young people; a survey showed 16% of UK respondents experienced strangulation during consensual sex, highlighting the dangers and legal ramifications.
- How does the prevalence of NFS in pornography contribute to difficulties in prosecuting sexual assault cases involving strangulation?
- The normalization of NFS in pornography has led to its increased prevalence in real-life sexual encounters, as evidenced by the IFAS survey. This trend is particularly concerning given the inherent dangers of NFS, including potential brain damage, death, and psychological trauma. The lack of visible injuries and challenges in proving consent contribute to difficulties in prosecution.
- What are the long-term societal consequences of the normalization of NFS in pornography, and what measures are necessary to mitigate these risks?
- The long-term implications of the normalization of NFS include an increase in sexual assault cases and a rise in domestic violence incidents, given the link between NFS and subsequent murder. Furthermore, the glamorization of NFS in pornography poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and requires comprehensive public awareness campaigns to address the risks involved. The lack of readily available statistics regarding deaths from strangulation during sex hinders a full understanding of the scale of the problem.
- What are the immediate impacts of the normalization of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) in pornography on real-life sexual practices and the legal system?
- A recent UK government review found that pornography depicting non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is prevalent online and contributes to its occurrence in real-life sexual encounters, particularly among young people. A survey by the Institute For Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) revealed that 16% of UK respondents reported being strangled during consensual sex, with 35% in the 16-34 age group. In England and Wales, NFS became a specific offense in 2022, resulting in approximately 700 sentences between July 2022 and June 2023.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames NFS primarily as a dangerous and potentially illegal act, highlighting the negative consequences and risks involved. While this is important information, the framing could be perceived as overly alarmist or one-sided, particularly in its presentation of statistics related to the prevalence of NFS. The headline and introduction could potentially be seen as sensationalizing the issue. The inclusion of multiple accounts of negative experiences contributes to this framing bias.
Language Bias
While the article attempts to maintain objectivity, the repeated use of strong terms like "highly dangerous," "deeply frightening," and "illegal" contributes to a negative and alarmist tone. The frequent use of the phrase "non-fatal strangulation" is quite clinical and doesn't fully capture the emotional impact and traumatic nature of the experience for victims. Consider using more nuanced language to balance the factual information with the emotional realities. For example, instead of "rife," perhaps "widespread" could be used to describe the prevalence of NFS in pornography.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the dangers and illegality of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) during sex, and the influence of pornography. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from men who engage in NFS consensually, to provide a more balanced representation of the issue and explore the nuances of consent in such practices. Additionally, exploring the potential for miscommunication or misunderstanding around consent in this context could add depth. The article also doesn't discuss potential legal challenges in cases where consent is claimed, beyond the mention of the difficulty of proving non-consensual NFS.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy between consensual and non-consensual NFS, but doesn't fully explore the grey areas where consent might be ambiguous or withdrawn during the act. The complexity of consent in the context of NFS is not fully addressed. The framing suggests a simple 'safe' versus 'unsafe' binary, overlooking situations where individuals might believe they are engaging safely but are in fact in danger.
Gender Bias
The article predominantly features women's experiences of NFS, both consensual and non-consensual. While this reflects the disproportionate impact on women, the article could benefit from including more male perspectives to provide a more balanced representation. It might be useful to explore if men face similar risks or challenges in relation to NFS. The article should explicitly state this imbalance and discuss the reasons for it.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the issue of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) during sex, disproportionately affecting women. Many victims did not consent to this act, demonstrating a violation of bodily autonomy and safety. The normalization of NFS in pornography and its subsequent impact on real-life sexual encounters further perpetuates gender inequality and violence against women. The statistics on femicide, where strangulation is a prevalent method, underscores the severe consequences of this issue and its connection to gender-based violence.