‘Rough sex’: Learning from the first scoping literature review on rough sex

‘Rough sex’ has been the focus of considerable concern in recent years, particularly as a result of defendants seeking to use this ‘defence’ in criminal trials following incidents in which they are suspected of having physically and sexually assaulted their (sexual) ‘partners’. There is, though, another important context in which rough sex has been the centre of some attention. A number of scholars and activists, among others, have argued that (consensual) rough sex – which may occur during BDSM or ‘kink’ – can be part of a positive sexual experience.

Rough sex can, therefore, be seen as representing both danger and pleasure, each of which may be quite acute or intense. There is some evidence that the prevalence of rough sex is increasing, especially among young adults. This includes choking or strangulation.

Although there is a modest amount of research on rough sex, there is, we would argue, little policy, practice or public, knowledge, understanding or awareness of this issue. Dr. Gallagher, along with his co-Principal Investigator, Prof. Nadia Wager (Teesside University), and a team of postgraduate students and early career researchers, are nearing the end of the first scoping literature review on rough sex. The aim of this review – and the current presentation – is to address this dearth of comprehension surrounding this vital issue.

Dr. Bernard Gallagher has had an extensive academic career in which he has directed, or otherwise been involved in, numerous, major studies, particularly in the area of child protection. He has, for example, directed studies into: organised child sexual abuse (CSA); the attrition of cases of child abuse and neglect in the criminal justice system; ‘stranger’ abuse; and international and internet CSA. He has, in more recent years, directed a number of smaller scale studies into domestic abuse. His most recent ‘official’ post was Reader in Social Work, at the University of Huddersfield.

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