Experiences of strangulation in the sex industry in the UK – Survey and Resources

Our aims at the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) are to raise awareness of strangulation, conduct research, develop resources, and train professionals in responding to individuals who have been strangled.

To do this effectively, we want to understand more about the different contexts in which strangulation can occur. Whilst strangulation can occur in domestic abuse and sexual violence, it can also be a part of sex – including within the sex industry. In the context of consensual sex, strangulation is sometimes referred to as ‘choking’ or ‘breath play’.

We wanted to get a better understanding of how strangulation features in sex work for those working in the UK, and so created a survey to gather some input directly from sex workers. This survey is now closed and we are in the process of writing up what we have found.

If you have been strangled, please look through our information for victims of strangulation: https://ifas.org.uk/information-leaflet-for-victims/

This is currently available in the following languages: English, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Urdu, Welsh. There is also a ‘quick read’ version of the leaflet available.

If you would like more information about strangulation and ‘choking’, please see our factsheet here: https://ifas.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/StrangulationChoking-Factsheet-October-2024-reviewed-February-2025.pdf 

Please get in touch if you have any questions or if there is anything you would like to work with us on going forwards: contact@ifas.org.uk.