The Intersection and Implications of Strangulation in Consensual Sexual Encounters and Sexual Assault Cases

• In Event: Bridging Gaps in Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault Research: Dyadic Insights, Strangulation, and Trauma-Informed Healthcare

Abstract

The purpose of this scoping literature review study is to present current research findings on the growing phenomenon of strangulation during sex and implications on health and legal systems. Under the cloak of colloquial pseudonyms such as breath-play, sexual choking, and erotic asphyxiation, rates of strangulation during sex have risen significantly worldwide in developed countries (Herbenick et al., 2023). Normalization of sexual strangulation has complicated the legal response to strangulation within sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and homicide cases (Sheehy et al., 2023). The intersection of strangulation in consensual sexual encounters and in sexual assault cases will be presented in addition to the health and legal implications and evaluation of consent to strangulation. Though sexual strangulation is purportedly utilized most often in a consensual context, women report experiencing it without prior consent (Herbenick et al., 2023). Strangulation has been established to cause devastating health outcomes, including paralysis, acute and chronic fear, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive deficits (Sheehy et al., 2023). Sexual strangulation is currently the most common form of strangulation, and thus, the risks present a significant and serious public health and legal problem.

Authors

• Alyssa Lark, University of Utah

• Julie L. Valentine, University of Utah