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Coronation Street’s upcoming storyline raises awareness of choking during sex
Safeline has supported Coronation Street’s latest issue-based storyline, which explores the dangers of choking during sex and the impact of non-fatal strangulation.
Safeline has supported Coronation Street on a major new storyline that explores the dangers of choking during sex and the potentially life-changing consequences of non-fatal strangulation.
The storyline, which begins airing tonight, centres on Betsy Swain after she suffers a stroke. As the story unfolds, viewers discover that strangulation during a sexual encounter played a role in the medical emergency, bringing an important and often misunderstood issue to mainstream audiences.
Supporting an important story
To help ensure the storyline was approached accurately and sensitively, Coronation Street worked with Safeline, the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) and the Stroke Association during its development. Experts from all three organisations provided specialist knowledge and insight to support the creation of the storyline.
The storyline comes at a time of growing concern about the normalisation of choking during sex, particularly among young people. Research highlighted by IFAS found that more than 55% of 4,100 people aged 16 to 34 surveyed reported either having strangled someone or having been strangled during sex. Young people have also confided to Safeline’s Prevention and Early Intervention service about first seeing the act in pornography and social media , which they then replicated in their relationships.
By bringing this issue to a mainstream audience, Coronation Street is helping to encourage greater awareness and understanding of the potentially serious consequences of non-fatal strangulation
Safeline’s statement
About our contribution to this essential storyline:
“As an organisation, it has been a privilege to work with Coronation Street by providing our input and experience into this important storyline, and to help shine a light on an issue that is affecting far too many people.
We know this is a deeply sensitive subject and appreciate how the storyline has been approached with great care, compassion and thought for those who may have lived experience of it.
An increasing concern is that choking during sex is becoming increasingly normalised, particularly among young people, often without a full understanding of the serious risks involved.
By supporting this storyline, Safeline wants to encourage open, informed, and honest conversations, challenge harmful assumptions, and help people recognise the importance of safety, consent and support.
Support is available, and no one should ever feel they have to deal with something like this by themselves.”
Why this storyline matters
Television dramas can play an important role in helping people understand complex and difficult issues. By exploring this subject through well-known characters, Coronation Street has created an opportunity for viewers to reflect on conversations around relationships, consent and personal safety.
For some viewers, the storyline may be their first exposure to discussions about non-fatal strangulation. For others, it may help validate experiences they have never previously spoken about. By approaching the issue with care and sensitivity, the programme has the potential to increase understanding, challenge misconceptions and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
Learn more about choking during sex
Support is available
Safeline hopes the storyline will encourage people to seek information, talk openly about their experiences and access support when they need it.
No one should have to cope alone. Anyone affected by sexual abuse, sexual violence, coercive behaviour or non-fatal strangulation can reach out.
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