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The UK has banned pornography that depicts a violent act in a bid to stop the growing epidemic of violence against women and girls.

The government announced it will criminalize pornography that depicts acts of strangulation. This comes after the Independent Porn Review, which was conducted by Baroness Gabby Bertin.

The review found that pornography has effectively made strangulation a “sexual norm” and a “safe” act to engage in.

The amendment will be made to the Crime and Policing Bill.

Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, said: “Depicting strangulation during sex is not only dangerous, but also degrading, with real life consequences for women.

“Cracking down on the appalling rise of strangulation pornography will protect women and send a clear signal to men and boys that misogyny will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile Andrea Simon, the director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) said the organization welcomed the government’s decision after EVAW’s years of campaigning.

“There is no such thing as safe strangulation; women cannot consent to the long-term harm it can cause, including impaired cognitive functioning and memory. Its widespread portrayal in porn is fueling dangerous behaviors, particularly among young people,” she said.

“This is a vital step towards recognizing the role violent pornography plays in shaping attitudes to women and regulating an industry which promotes and profits from violence against women.”