Depictions of Strangulation in Pornography to Be Made Illegal

The Government has announced that the depiction of strangulation in pornography will be banned, as part of a broader effort to protect women from violence. 

Under new measures introduced through the Crime and Policing Bill, any pornographic content showing acts of strangulation will be criminalised. This follows the Government’s acceptance of a key recommendation from the Independent Porn Review, which highlighted the urgent need to address the harmful influence of violent sexual content online. 

This move is a central part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to significantly reduce violence against women and girls. 

The announcement, supported by campaigners including Jessica Asato, comes in response to findings from the review led by Baroness Gabby Bertin. The review concluded that pornography has played a significant role in normalising strangulation during sex, promoting the dangerous misconception that it is safe and non-fatal. The report finds evidence suggests there is no safe way to strangle someone and the risks include serious physical and psychological harm. 

This legislative change marks another step in the Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls. 

Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, stated: 

“Depicting strangulation during sex is not only dangerous, but degrading, with real-life consequences for women. 

Cracking down on the appalling rise of strangulation pornography will protect women and send a clear signal to men and boys that misogyny will not be tolerated.” 

Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), welcomed the decision: 

“We applaud the Government’s move to criminalise the depiction of strangulation in pornography. This reflects years of campaigning by EVAW and other experts who have long warned about the normalisation of violence against women and girls in online content. 

 There is no such thing as safe strangulation. Women cannot consent to the long-term harm it causes, including impaired memory and cognitive function. Its widespread portrayal in porn is fuelling dangerous behaviours, particularly among young people.” 

She added that this is a vital step in recognising the role violent pornography plays in shaping harmful attitudes toward women and in regulating an industry that profits from such content. 

The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill builds on existing protections under the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which already criminalise the possession of extreme pornographic material, including depictions of life-threatening acts. 

Further details of the amendment will be announced in due course.

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