Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence and disturbing content that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners. Please use your discretion when deciding whether to continue listening. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, resources and support are available and listed at the bottom of the show notes below. 

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In this challenging and thought-provoking episode, Nicky chats with Tracy Lumb, the Manager of Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre about the issue of non-fatal strangulation and sexual choking. 

With a new study showing that 60% of 18- to 35-year-olds report having experienced choking during sex, this is not an issue that we can just leave people to discover on their own.  As Tracy explains the danger around this behaviour is that it can lead to unanticipated health consequences, including brain injury, as well as leading to future coercive relationship issues. 

Tracy uses the analogy of how we wouldn’t let a young person drive a car without any instruction or guidance, however when it comes to sex education we seem to not apply the same consideration and provide the guidance or instruction that would help young people navigate this important part of life.

The discussion centres around the importance of breaking down stigma and raising awareness about how families and friends, members of the community and workers in the community sector can broach this important topic area and recognise the warning signs to protect themselves and others. 

“Nobody should acquire a brain injury because they’ve consented to have sex.  We’ve started talking about brain injury in sports.  We just have to start talking about brain injury in sex,” says Nicky after learning from Tracy about the scale of the issue.

Tracy and her team with the help of the new “It left no marks” resources and training are on a mission to normalise the discussion about non fatal strangulation and sexual choking through better sex education in order to engage and make sure that young people are staying safe and learning the risks.

Resources and Training:

·      Find out more about the “It left no marks” resources and training here: Resources - It Left No Marks

Support Services:

·      If you are in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the Police or and Ambulance.

·      For ongoing support after strangulation or sexual choking contact your closest Women’s Health Centre - Women’s Health Centres NSW – Women's Health NSW

·      For Crisis support after strangulation and sexual violence call the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 1800 424 017

·      For help with strangulation as domestic and family violence call the NSW Domestic Violence Line 188 565 463

·      Find out more about the work of the Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre here: Shoalhaven Women's Health Centre |