Why strangulation has become part of the sexual 'playbook'

A 2024 study found that nearly 60% of young Australians have experienced strangulation during sexual encounters, sparking a conversation about the normalization of this practice. Laura Crozier, a 25-year-old and founder of an affirmative consent education project, expressed disbelief at the casual nature of these discussions in her high school years.

Sexual strangulation, often called choking, is considered a "vanilla" aspect of sex, according to Crozier, and has become so normalized that it no longer evokes a kinkly sensation. Elaquare Spencer, an early 20s university student, observed that strangulation was framed as a sexual preference among her peers, with one participant explaining it as a way to play with power dynamics.

Talon, a heterosexual man in his early 20s, shared that he felt pressured to engage in the act due to societal expectations. The panel discussed the influence of pornography, particularly depictions of sexual strangulation, which increased from zero percent in the early 2000s to 15 percent in popular pornography by 2024. Violence prevention educator Maree Crabbe emphasized that pornography is the primary driver behind the surge in sexual strangulation, as the act has become so pervasive that it's even expected in the bedroom without explicit viewing of porn.

The gendered power imbalance in sexual strangulation is highly pronounced, with men and boys predominantly engaging in the act while women, girls, and sexual and gender diverse individuals are more often subjected to it. Research suggests that any pressure applied to the neck during strangulation can cause severe health consequences, including death, brain damage, migraines, and even miscarriage.

Crozier and Crabbe stressed the importance of consent and open communication in sexual encounters, urging partners to prioritize genuine pleasure and connection rather than adhering to societal norms.