J.K. Rowling's women's advocacy center to stage discourse on online pornography
Take the Plunge into a Serious Discussion
Stepping into the limelight, JK Rowling's female-exclusive center, Beira's Place, is arranging a captivating conference, delving into the chilling impact of internet pornography on rising violence against women, nicknamed an "epidemic." Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, this haven was founded with a passion to meet a pressing need for women following a tumultuous debate over transgender individuals in safe houses for sexual assault survivors.
The conference on Tuesday digs deep into the influence of internet pornography and social media influencers, investigating how these platforms may be contributing to a surge in reported violence and mistreatment of young women. Notable speakers include Michael Conroy, director of Men At Work, an organization geared towards nurturing the wholesome development of boys and young men.
Brace Yourself for Staggering StatisticsSince its opening in December 2022, the service has received an impressive 624 referrals from women aged 16 and above who have endured sexual violence in the Lothian area.
Joining Michael on the panel is Mary Sharpe, CEO of The Reward Foundation, a charity dedicated to relationship and sex education. Both speakers share concerns about the normalization of disturbing trends originating from internet pornography, particularly non-consensual strangulation.
Are You Ready to Unveil the Truth?Mary asserts that internet pornography is designed to be addictive and may serve as a gateway to criminality. Although discontinuing porn usage can lead to improvement in the appreciation of women, she warns, some consumers may escalate to violent pornography and child sexual abuse material.
Upon addressing the issue, Michael Conroy stresses the alarming fact that boys and young men are allowing pornography to shape their expectations concerning sex and intimacy in hazardous ways. The normalization of "so-called 'choking' or sexual strangulation" is a grave concern, he states.
A Series of Eyebrow-Raising EventsThe conference revolves around the broader "Unseen, Unheard" series, focused on shedding light on violence against women. Additional panelists include Linda Thompson, national coordinator of the Women's Support Project, Dr Alison Scott, and Jessica Davidson MBE, all of whom bring valuable experiences and insights to the table.
Backed by Rowling, Beira's Place is staffed by 10 dedicated support workers. Notable directors include former prison governor Rhona Hotchkiss, former Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, and Susan Smith, director of For Women Scotland.
Lesley Johnston, CEO of Beira's Place, voices excitement about the conference, expressing hope that attendees will depart with fresh ideas to combat the impact of internet pornography on violence against women.
- The conference at Beira's Place, initiated by JK Rowling, addresses the concerning impact of internet pornography on rising violence against women, particularly in the Lothian area.
- Michael Conroy, director of Men At Work, and Mary Sharpe, CEO of The Reward Foundation, will discuss the influence of internet pornography and social media influencers on the surge in reported violence against young women.
- Mary Sharpe contends that internet pornography is designed to be addictive and may lead to criminality, including the escalation to violent pornography and child sexual abuse material.
- Michael Conroy emphasizes the dangerous ways in which pornography shapes boys and young men's expectations concerning sex and intimacy, with the normalization of practices like "so-called 'choking' or sexual strangulation" being a significant concern.
