The links between porn and sexual violence that need to be talked about
Pornographers overseas have been making a conscious effort to make their content more violent. Producers claim that this is due to the high demand from the viewers of porn sites globally.
It's been estimated that 88 percent of the most popular porn includes physical aggression. The content that was believed to be 'pushing it' in the late 1990s is now normalised and common in our society. Porn sites glamourise sexual activities that can actually be harmful and painful.
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Sarah* has experienced the horrific impacts of the porn industry. She was just seven years old when her brother started molesting her. Only a couple of years older than her, he would go to the shops and steal the adult magazines. He'd analyse the pictures, corner his sister, and make their younger brother stand watch.
The abuse went on for years until Sarah's* mum came home one day to find her brother chasing her around the house.
Then years later, Sarah* was raped by her boyfriend. What began consensually, became abusive. Despite repeatedly telling him beforehand that she didn't want to try a new sexual activity, he forced himself upon her.
According to the ABC, former police officer and now cyber safety expert, Susan McLean, says they are hearing an increasing number of reports of teenage girls sustaining serious injuries from trying to replicate things they or their boyfriend have seen in porn. "It tends to be using objects. It does tend to be quite violent or being tied up, and the girls often feel very powerless to say no," (Susan McLean, 2019).
Awareness and education are key to preventing sexual violence as a result a result of pornography. Both young people and adults must be made aware of the fantasy of pornography and the acts that are violent and can cause injury.
Do your part by educating yourself and others on the vulnerabilities that can lead to sexual violence.
