Experts' warning after 16yo girl's death from possible sexual choking act

Experts are urging for enhanced education on the dangers of strangulation following the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl from Sydney's northern beaches. The incident, believed to be a result of a suspected sexual choking act, has sparked concern among women's health advocates. A 2024 survey revealed that approximately half of young Australians have engaged in strangulation during sex, a number that has reportedly surged by 123 percent since 2023.

Women's Health NSW chief executive, Denele Crozier, attributes the increase to heightened awareness and training programs, which have assisted numerous clients, including victims of family violence and those who engage in consensual sexual choking. Strangulation, while potentially violent, can also be part of consensual sexual play, according to Crozier.

She emphasizes that even five episodes of brain injury can lead to permanent damage. Research from the University of Melbourne Law School's Heather Douglas indicates that 57 percent of Australians aged 18 to 35 have been strangled during sex, with half of them having done so with their partners. Over 60 percent of the surveyed individuals learned about strangulation during sex through pornography, social media, or their peers and partners.

Professor Douglas advocates for public health messaging to reflect the potential dangers of strangulation, likening it to the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The Teach Us Consent founder, Chanel Contos, deems the death of the young Sydney girl as a tragic incident that could have been prevented with proper education about the distinction between adult entertainment and sexual education.