Over at least the past decade, rough sex behaviors have rapidly increased as part of younger adults’ sexual repertoires. For example, about 1 in 3 young adult US women were choked/strangled the last time they had sex. Also, women and LGBTQ+ individuals are significantly more likely to be choked/strangled than cisgender, heterosexual men. These shifts have occurred in mainstream sexual culture, often apart from many of the principles and harm reduction practices commonly associated with BDSM and kink communities. 

In this talk, Dr. Debby Herbenick – a Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington - will share findings from her team’s research on rough sex practices, with a focus on sexual choking/strangulation. These rigorously conducted studies include US nationally representative survey as well as four college campus-representative surveys and research on the brain health of people who have been choked/strangled during sex. The presentation will address prevalence, frequency, communication, consent, short-term and long-term health implications of sexual choking, providing information that will support college administrators, violence prevention experts, health educators, and clinicians in their work.