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Report on Strangulation During Sex in the UK
Report on Strangulation During Sex in the UK
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.
Future Research:
This was a pilot survey intended to start to develop an understanding of strangulation/choking during sex in the UK.
There are, therefore, areas that require further exploration in future research on this topic. We are hoping to continue exploring this with a more in-depth survey.
However, this is dependent on our future funding position.
Strangulation Factsheet
Strangulation Factsheet
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.
Information for victims of strangulation
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.
Get in touch
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contact@ifas.org.uk
