Government must crack down on “extreme violent pornography” says Ó Muirí

The government must urgently progress legislation creating offences relating to the distribution of extreme violent pornography, Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí has said.

The Dublin Bay North TD said, “there is growing concern about the widespread availability of violent and degrading pornographic content online and the impact it is having on attitudes towards women and girls.”

“A simple glance at the landing pages of many of the world’s most popular pornographic websites reveals content that normalises degradation, humiliation and violence against women,” he noted.

“The fact that material depicting women being forcefully strangled and suffocated is prominently featured on some of the most visited websites in the country should concern us all.”

Research highlighted by SERP and Women’s Aid has raised serious concerns about the impact of violent pornography on attitudes towards consent and healthy relationships, particularly amongst young people.

“In what world is it normal or acceptable for teenagers to think that strangling, degrading or physically harming a partner is a normal part of a relationship?” he asked.

“I raised this in the Dáil this week with an Taoiseach, and I welcome confirmation that approval has been sanctioned to draft legislation creating offences relating to the possession, production and distribution of violent or extreme pornography. I welcome the Taoiseach’s resolve to have the legislation on the statue books early in the new year.”

“The law must send a clear message that material which glorifies violence and abuse against a partner has no place in our society,” the Fine Gael TD said.