New research has found that there is no safe level of pressure for sexual strangulation, also known as choking, and that even brief application can lead to serious injury or death.
Study findings
The study, published in the journal Forensic Science International: Synergy, analyzed data from cases of death and brain injury linked to the practice. Researchers concluded that the margin between a dangerous and a fatal level of force is extremely narrow, making the act inherently risky.
According to the research, the carotid arteries and jugular veins in the neck are vulnerable to compression, which can reduce blood flow to the brain within seconds. Loss of consciousness can occur in as little as five to ten seconds, and permanent brain damage or death can follow if pressure is maintained.
Expert warnings
Dr. Emma Williams, a lead author of the study, said: "There is no safe way to choke someone. The difference between a moment of pleasure and a life-changing injury or death is a matter of seconds and a few pounds of pressure."
The report also highlighted that many people who engage in the practice are unaware of the risks, often believing that stopping as soon as the partner loses consciousness is safe. However, the research shows that even brief loss of consciousness can have lasting neurological consequences.
Implications
The findings have implications for public health messaging and legal responses, with researchers calling for greater awareness and education about the dangers of sexual strangulation. The study urges that the practice be treated with the same seriousness as other high-risk activities.
