The UK government has taken a decisive step towards combating violence against women and girls by announcing a ban on the depiction of strangulation in pornography. This landmark decision, hailed as a crucial victory for women’s safety and a significant blow against the normalization of violence in online content, is a direct response to mounting concerns about the harmful influence of pornography on societal attitudes and behaviors, particularly among young people. The ban, which will be implemented through an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, follows the government’s acceptance of a key recommendation from the Independent Porn Review led by Baroness Gabby Bertin. The review highlighted the alarming trend of pornography portraying strangulation during sex as a “sexual norm,” fostering a dangerous misconception that it is a safe practice. This normalization, the review warned, perpetuates a false belief that strangulation is non-fatal, despite overwhelming medical evidence demonstrating its potential for serious and long-term harm.
The government’s move to criminalize the depiction of strangulation in pornography reflects a growing recognition of the link between online content and real-world violence against women and girls. Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones MP, emphasized the inherent danger and degradation associated with portraying strangulation during sex, highlighting the real-life consequences for women. The ban, Davies-Jones stated, is not only about protecting women but also about sending a clear message that misogyny will not be tolerated. This decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the “appalling rise of strangulation pornography” and addressing the broader issue of violence against women and girls.
The decision to ban the depiction of strangulation in pornography aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, which includes a pledge to halve violence against women and girls. It represents a critical step towards achieving this ambitious goal and is a direct response to years of sustained advocacy by campaigners like Jessica Asato. Experts in the field, including Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), have long warned about the dangers of normalizing violence against women and girls in online content. Simon welcomed the government’s decision, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the role violent pornography plays in shaping attitudes towards women and the need for greater regulation of an industry that profits from the exploitation and degradation of women.
The forthcoming amendment, which will build upon existing protections under the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, aims to strengthen the legal framework against extreme pornography. These existing laws already criminalize the possession of extreme pornographic content depicting life-threatening acts, and the new amendment seeks to further solidify these protections by specifically targeting the depiction of strangulation. By explicitly outlawing this dangerous practice in pornography, the government aims to disrupt the normalization of violence against women and girls and contribute to a safer and more equitable society.
The ban on depicting strangulation in pornography is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete measure aimed at addressing a serious and pervasive problem. It is a crucial step towards challenging the harmful narratives and behaviors perpetuated by the pornography industry, particularly its portrayal of violence against women as acceptable or even desirable. The government’s commitment to criminalizing this dangerous practice reflects a growing understanding of the complex interplay between online content and real-world violence, as well as the urgent need to protect women and girls from the detrimental effects of harmful pornography.
This legislative change is expected to have a significant impact on the production and distribution of pornography in the UK, sending a clear message that depictions of violence against women will not be tolerated. By taking decisive action to criminalize the portrayal of strangulation, the government is demonstrating its commitment to holding the pornography industry accountable for its role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and normalizing abusive behaviors. This move represents a significant victory for those who have long advocated for greater regulation of the pornography industry and its impact on women’s safety and well-being. While further details of the amendment are yet to be announced, the government’s commitment to tackling this issue represents a vital step towards creating a safer and more equitable online environment for all.
