GLOBAL – A landmark study has uncovered an alarming trend among young people in the United Kingdom, revealing that more than two in five sexually active under-18s have experienced strangulation during sex. The research, conducted by the UK-based Institute for Addressing Strangulation (Ifas), highlights a growing public health crisis characterized by widespread misconceptions about safety, significant consent discrepancies, and severe physical and psychological harm. While specific data for Kenya remains scarce, the global normalization of this practice, largely driven by online pornography and social media, poses a significant potential risk to youth in the region.

The Ifas survey, which polled 4,175 individuals aged 16-34, found that 43% of sexually active 16 and 17-year-olds had either been strangled or had strangled a partner. This prevalence increases with age, with over half of all respondents under 35 reporting such experiences. The findings point to a dangerous normalization of what is medically defined as non-fatal strangulation, often colloquially and incorrectly termed “choking.” Strangulation refers to external pressure on the neck restricting blood flow or air, while choking is an internal obstruction of the airway. Experts warn there is no safe way to perform strangulation.

Health Risks and Misconceptions

The study revealed a profound lack of awareness regarding the severe dangers associated with the practice. Nearly a third of young people surveyed wrongly believe that strangulation can be performed safely. Medical experts, however, are unequivocal about the risks. Professor Cath White, a medical director at Ifas, stated that even a “fleeting moment” of strangulation can lead to lifelong health problems, including nerve damage, brain injury, stroke, and death. Pressure on the neck can restrict oxygen and blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die, an irreversible form of damage. Loss of consciousness can occur in as little as five to ten seconds.

The physical symptoms reported by participants in the Ifas study are stark: 21% suffered effects like dizziness, neck pain, and coughing. More severe outcomes included loss of consciousness (1 in 50), and loss of bladder or bowel control (1 in 50 and 1 in 100, respectively). Despite these symptoms, most did not seek medical attention, unaware of the potential for delayed complications like blood clots or stroke, which can occur days or weeks later. Psychologically, the impact is also significant, with 36% of recipients reporting feeling scared and 47% experiencing anxiety during or after the act.

Consent and Gender Dynamics

The research uncovered a significant “consent gap.” More individuals who initiated strangulation believed their partner had consented beforehand than those who had it done to them. While experiences of being strangled were nearly equal between genders (52% women, 47% men), men were substantially more likely to be the perpetrators. This gendered pattern, where men are more often the ones strangling women, is consistent with other international studies and raises concerns about links to coercion and control within relationships.

The normalization of sexual violence is a key concern. A 2019 BBC survey found that 38% of young women had experienced unwanted choking, slapping, or gagging during otherwise consensual sex. The influence of pornography, where violent acts are often depicted as desirable, is a major contributing factor to these trends. An Australian study found that 61% of young people learned about sexual strangulation from pornography.

The Kenyan Context

While comprehensive data on the prevalence of sexual strangulation among youth in Kenya is not readily available, existing statistics on gender-based and sexual violence suggest a vulnerable environment. A 2019 Violence Against Children Survey in Kenya revealed high rates of physical abuse, including choking, among children and adolescents. Organizations like the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC), Usikimye, and Freely in Hope are actively working to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country. The national GBV hotline (1195) provides a crucial resource for survivors.

The lack of specific local data on consensual sexual strangulation highlights an urgent need for research to understand the scope of this trend in Kenya and East Africa. Health educators and parents are encouraged to engage with young people about the realities and dangers of practices they may encounter online. Comprehensive sexuality education that addresses consent, online influences, and the specific dangers of acts like strangulation is critical to safeguarding the health and well-being of Kenyan youth. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.