Strangulation is where pressure is applied on or around the neck that interferes with blood circulation in the brain or breathing, or both. This pressure can be applied with one or both hands, or with a collar, rope, or clothing, like a scarf or shoelace, or by using other body parts to put pressure on the neck.

Strangulation is often experienced as part of sexual violence. Strangulation is also a common and dangerous way that perpetrators of domestic and family violence exert control over victims and survivors, making them feel afraid and that they are likely to be killed. Some studies show that strangulation in an abusive relationship indicates that violence in the relationship is increasing, and victims and survivors are more likely to be killed in the future.

Some people engage in strangulation as a form of rough sex or kinky sex. They may call it sexual choking or breath play, using a chokehold, being pinned, or being suffocated. Whatever you call it, putting pressure on someone’s neck so they struggle to breathe is a risky practice that can result in death and serious injury, and can also have legal implications for the person using the pressure.

Research shows that about half the time, strangulation leaves no visible injuries. However, there can still be internal injuries, including damage to the brain. It’s a good idea to encourage someone who has been strangled to visit a doctor and tell them they have had pressure applied to their neck so the doctor knows what to look out for.

This website contains resources we have produced or collated about strangulation, sexual choking and acquired brain injury. We have arranged them by who they will be most useful for: women, healthcare providers and other sorts of service providers.

RESOURCES

This podcast episode is from The Cocoon: A safe place for victims and survivors of sexual trauma put out by …
In October 2024, Healthed ran a clinical article entitled, ‘Non-fatal strangulation detection and management’. This article, written by Sophia Auld, …
This recorded presentation on sexual choking is from the HealthEd Medical Update 2024 one day educational seminar, which took place …
This video is for women who might have experienced non-fatal strangulation as a part of sexual assault, or through being …
Do you work in a service that has contact with women with experiences of strangulation or sexual choking? This trifold …
In September 2024, The Guardian ran a media article entitled, ‘I think it’s natural’: why has sexual choking become so …
Are you reaching out to GPs or other healthcare providers to create a referral pathway to meet the needs of …
This video looks at the important role that general practitioners (GPs) play in addressing women’s experiences of non-fatal strangulation and …
These Guidelines are designed to improve responses to women with experiences of non-fatal strangulation and sexual choking. They were created …
In July 2024, SBS News ran a media article entitled, most young Australians are doing this during sex. But they …
In July 2024, The Conversation ran a media article entitled, More than half of Australian young people are using strangulation …
In July 2024, ABC 730 featured a media story entitled, Experts warn of the dangers of consensual strangulation during sex. …
Subscribe for updates
New resources, articles, news...

Safety Exit

Skip to content