news.sky.com
Rise in Strangulation Cases Prompts Urgent Call for Action
Schoolchildren are asking teachers for advice on safe strangulation during sex, coinciding with a near 50% increase in non-fatal strangulation incidents in 2024 and a woman sharing her near-fatal strangulation experience at the hands of her former partner who is now awaiting sentencing for attempted murder.
- How does the normalization of strangulation in online content contribute to the rise of violence in relationships?
- The rise in strangulation incidents is linked to its presence in popular culture and social media, according to the Institute for Addressing Strangulation. This normalization of violence, particularly in pornography depicting choking during sex, poses a significant risk to young people. The charity emphasizes that there is no safe way to strangle, highlighting the serious medical consequences of oxygen deprivation to the brain.
- What are the immediate consequences of the increase in strangulation cases and the normalization of this act in popular culture?
- A concerning trend shows teachers are being asked by schoolchildren how to strangle someone safely during sex. This coincides with a near 50% rise in non-fatal strangulation incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. One victim, Kerry Allan, survived a strangulation attempt by her partner, Michael Cosgrove, who was subsequently convicted of attempted murder.
- What systemic changes are needed to effectively address the rising problem of strangulation and its depiction in popular culture and social media?
- The case highlights the urgent need for comprehensive sex education addressing healthy relationships and consent, coupled with stronger online content moderation to curb the spread of violent and misogynistic material. The long-term impact of normalizing strangulation could be devastating, with potentially increased violence and fatalities if preventative measures aren't taken. Further research into the root causes of this alarming trend is crucial.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing strongly emphasizes the severity and rising incidence of strangulation, using alarming statistics and a harrowing victim's account. The headline and opening paragraphs immediately establish a tone of urgency and fear. While this approach effectively raises awareness, it might also inadvertently sensationalize the issue, potentially overshadowing other forms of domestic abuse and the need for comprehensive solutions. The inclusion of the warning at the beginning, while appropriate, further contributes to the dramatic framing.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as "ultimate form of control," "alarming rise," and "almost strangled her to death." While these phrases effectively convey the gravity of the situation, they may also sensationalize the issue and impede objective understanding. Using more neutral terms like "significant increase," "serious crime," or "severe assault" might improve objectivity. Repeated use of words like "violent" and "rage" reinforce a negative tone, potentially impacting reader perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the alarming rise in strangulation cases and the impacts on victims, but it lacks exploration into potential societal factors contributing to this rise. While the influence of violent pornography is mentioned, a broader analysis of cultural attitudes towards violence, gender roles, and consent within relationships is missing. Additionally, the article doesn't discuss preventative measures or support systems available beyond leaving the abusive relationship. The omission of these perspectives might limit the reader's ability to fully understand the complexities of the issue and potential solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a stark contrast between safe and unsafe strangulation, implying a false dichotomy. While the article correctly asserts there's no safe way to strangle, it doesn't explore the nuances of consent, power dynamics, and the varying degrees of force involved in strangulation within different contexts. This simplification might lead readers to overly focus on the physical act rather than the underlying issues of control and violence.
Gender Bias
The article disproportionately focuses on female victims of strangulation, reflecting the fact that women are more often victims of this crime. However, it should acknowledge the existence of male victims as well, to avoid perpetuating the harmful stereotype that strangulation is solely a crime against women. While the article includes a female victim's account, presenting stories from male victims and perpetrators would offer a more balanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant issue of violence against women, specifically focusing on strangulation as a method of control and abuse. The alarming rise in non-fatal strangulation cases and the normalization of such violence in popular culture directly impact the progress towards gender equality. The case study of Kerry Allan exemplifies the devastating consequences of gender-based violence and the urgent need for preventative measures and support for victims.