Confused by Betsy’s storyline? Here’s exactly what the sex strangulation ‘trend’ is and why people do it
Betsy wrongly believed that 'everyone did it'
Coronation Street kicked off a fresh storyline for Betsy Swain this week that raised the topic of sex strangulation.
Betsy suffered two strokes after a blood clot formed during a brief loss of circulation. This had been caused by Dylan strangling her during sex – something Betsy had consented to.
With the statistics being worryingly high in terms of young people taking part in this ‘trend,’ here’s exactly what it is.
Coronation Street’s Betsy strangled by Dylan during sex
This week on the cobbles, Betsy Swain was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke at just 18 years old.
Once at the hospital, she then suffered another stroke as lots of different tests were carried out. Betsy’s speech was impacted along with her ability to remember the names of things. The right side of her body had also weakened.
Realising that the stroke had been due to a blood clot forming in her neck and temporarily cutting off circulation to the brain, the doctor asked Betsy if she’d had any recent pressure applied to her neck.
Betsy then explained that Dylan had strangled her during sex. He wasn’t aware that damage could be done even with light pressure, and they’d both consented to the act. Both teens believed that ‘everyone did it.’
They’d seen examples of it online without understanding the repercussions.
Now, Betsy’s road to recovery will be a big challenge as she also struggles to process her boyfriend Dylan’s arrest.
Coronation Street viewers baffled by Betsy and Dylan storyline
Viewers have now taken to social media after being left completely baffled by why somebody would willingly want to be strangled.
The soap missed out the crucial detail about why people choose to put themselves in danger, leaving fans who had never heard of the ‘trend’ before baffled.
One fan commented: “Sexual strangulation? What’s that about? No, don’t tell me. I’m too old, I want to keep my innocence!!”
Another person asked: “Can that really happen? I’ve never heard of it before because of light strangulation.”
What is sex strangulation?
Coronation Street is highlighting a very real and worrying ‘trend’ that is happening right now, especially amongst young people. Studies by IFAS show that 55% of people aged 16-34 have being strangled or have strangled someone during sex.
Sex strangulation or ‘choking’ is a term used to describe someone compressing, grabbing or holding someone’s neck during sex which temporarily restricts blood or air flow.
But, why do people partake in the dangerous ‘trend’ that carries so many risks? The charity IFAS has explained that pornography has played a big part in ‘normalising’ violent sex, moving the action from bondage and being a ‘kink’ to the bedrooms of young people.
Those who strangled or are willingly strangled usually do it to experience ‘euphoria’ or a ‘high’ from the act, or to feel a power and dominance from it.
Sex strangulation comes with many risks and can lead to strokes, a loss of consciousness, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, haemorrhages, and death.
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