The Illusion of Consent: Strangulation and the Rough Sex Defense

Illusion of Consent Strangulation and Rough Sex Defense

Strangulation has long been a tool of power, manipulation, and control, for sex offenders, human traffickers, and domestic violence perpetrators.  Strangulation has become a prevalent part of sexual activity.  Once thought of as fringe activity, it is now firmly entrenched in adult and teen sexual behavior.  Lacking knowledge of the dangers involved, participants may find themselves experiencing catastrophic injury within seconds.  That’s when emergency response begins.

For prosecutors and law enforcement, this creates several questions. How do we differentiate between abusive behavior and an agreed upon act?  Was this criminal conduct?  If it is a part of a criminal investigation, how do we eliminate the defense of consent?

This session highlights that there is no safe way to strangle someone.  It distinguishes the differing ways the BDSM community and experimenters approach this act.  It provides justice professionals tools to assess whether this was an accident or part of a pattern of abuse.  It distinguishes between allowing, agreeing, and the legal limits of consent.

Presenter:

Gerald Fineman

Retired prosecutor, Co-chair for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention