Published December 2024
In October 2024 the Institute for Addressing Strangulation, in collaboration with Bangor University, commissioned a short survey aimed at understanding the prevalence of strangulation/choking during sex in the UK.
Main findings*:
Over a third (35%) of 16-34 year olds reported being strangled/choked at least once during consensual sex.
(compared to 16% of 35–54 year olds and 3% of those aged 55+).
A quarter (27%) of 16-34 year olds reported having strangled/choked a partner during consensual sex.
(compared to 13% of those aged 35-54 and 2% of those aged 55+).
*Nationally weighted data
Gender breakdown:
In terms of gender, this survey found 35% of males and 36% of females in the 16-34 age group reporting ever having been strangled/choked during consensual sex.
Additionally, 39% of males and 20% of females in the same age group having reportedly strangled/choked a partner during consensual sex.
Strangulation is serious and there is no safe way to be strangled. Only 50% of people who are strangled will have a visible neck injury.
Our factsheet on strangulation lays out the risk associated with this dangerous practice.
If you or someone that you know has been a victim of strangulation our victim information leaflet (available in 8 different languages) provides guidance on the physical symptoms and how to access support.
For general enquiries and further information about our training
contact@ifas.org.uk