Survivors Speak Out: The Lasting Trauma of Nonconsensual Strangulation

In the past few years, a disturbing trend has emerged among young people: the practice of strangulation during sex. A new study found that more than half of individuals under the age of 35 have experienced this, with some as young as 16 having seen it in porn and on social media.

The stories of survivors like Sophie, Carrie, and Laura paint a harrowing picture. Sophie, now 21, recounts waking up on the floor after a seizure caused by a man strangling her during a consensual encounter. Carrie, in her early 20s, was repeatedly strangled by an older partner, leaving her mentally "slow" for days afterward. Laura, in her 30s, suffered multiple instances of strangulation over a decade-long relationship, resulting in lasting memory issues and fatigue.

These women all say the normalization of violent porn has led to a "warped perception of intimacy" among their generation. Experts warn that strangulation during sex carries a serious risk of brain injury and even death, yet many still believe it can be done safely.

For the survivors, the trauma lingers. Sophie's current partner refuses to strangle her, saying "I care about you." Carrie and Laura both sought medical attention after realizing the extent of their injuries, with Laura now getting support from the Brain Injury Association. Their stories serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of this disturbing trend and the urgent need to address the influence of violent pornography.