A concerning trend during s**ual activity is reportedly gaining traction, particularly among younger generations, prompting warnings about its potential dangers.
In an interview with news.com.au , Katija Cortez opened up about her experience with the trend at the age of 16.
She described the event as ‘unexpected’ and shared that the ‘shock’ left her unsure how to respond.
Cortez reflected: “It did come as a shock, and I wasn’t sure how to react.”
She added that her lack of experience and confidence at this age hindered her ability to assert boundaries.
Cortez, now 28, said: “Keep in mind this was over a decade ago when consent was not a topic of conversation like it is today.
“Had he asked me beforehand if I’d let him choke me, I’d probably have said no.”
Cortez works as an escort, and her profession has exposed her to a higher volume of encounters, leading her to observe that choking appears to be a frequently requested act.
She explained: “It wasn’t until I was older and more experienced that I learned that choking is a common kink and a form of submissive and sensory play.”
Yet even now, amid growing conversation on consent, Cortez encounters situations in her line of work where men seem to think they don’t need to ask for permission before engaging in this kind of act.
The escort said she would never ‘condone anything non-consensual,’ but is aware it’s becoming more mainstream.
Cortez believes that the prevalence of choking in p***ography has contributed to its normalization.
“When I was younger, a lot of guys had started doing it, which I think definitely came from seeing it,” she said.
“Choking during p*** is very, very common and is becoming increasingly more common.”
However, the escort cautions against equating p***ography with reality, emphasizing that it is a ‘fantasy.’
“Just like movies,adult stars are trained professionals working in controlled environments where many things are all agreed upon beforehand. Even actors discuss dos and don’ts before a scene,” she explained.
“S** outside of p*** should be no different. It’s all about communication.”
A study conducted by the University of Melbourne Law School and the University of Queensland revealed that over half of young Australians have engaged in choking during s**.
Experts warn of the significant risks associated with this practice.
Professor Heather Douglas told News.com.au: “Placing pressure on the neck is not safe. Only a small amount of pressure can cause serious harm, and potentially death.
“Particularly concerning is that this behavior can lead to brain injury, and the more often people engage in s****gulation, the more likely brain injury is. Often, people will be unaware of this.”
web md states that choking, or breath play, involves restricting breathing for pleasure, and while some find it pleasurable, it carries significant physical risks like brain damage and death, as well as mental health concerns.
Harm reduction exists for partnered play, but the safest approach is to avoid this risky activity altogether and to seek immediate help in emergencies.
Cortez echoes this sentiment and stresses the importance of understanding that choking is not universally desired and should never be assumed.
She advised: “It needs to be understood that this particular kink can be scary and should not be done without asking.”
The escort highlighted that the act could potentially trigger past traumas too, adding: “Something [like] choking may even bring up past trauma for some people. So this definitely needs to be kept in mind.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7/365. Text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233), or chat online at http://TheHotline.org.
