Episode 10: Behind the Cloak of Darkness: The Impact of Porn

This presentation will examine the influence of pornography on the neurobiology of the developing and already developed brain. It will seek to articulate that excessive porn use impacts an individual’s sexuality and body image taking into consideration that the onslaught of hardcore images shape and inform ones’ sexual identity and practice. One major question often asked about porn is whether there is a correlation of causation between porn and interpersonal violence. There are over 100 studies showing that pornography use is both correlated with and is the cause (shown through experimental studies) of a wide range of violent behaviors. Over 50 studies show a strong connection between pornography and sexual violence. The presenter will specifically focus on aspects of pornography that may lead to victimization such as the mainstreaming and national increase of choking and strangulation, BDSM (but without the typical and learned BDSM safety precautions), revenge porn, child rape/torture and sex trafficking. We will also explore how sex industry workers experience the porn industry while uncovering some of the attitudes of producers. This presentation will be beneficial to any professional working to understand and change the culture regarding interpersonal violence in any form. There will also be discussions on possible solutions, promising practices and methodologies that can be utilized to begin the shift from a toxic sexual landscape to a possible healthy sexual reality. This presentation will include exploring the impact porn is having on the criminal justice system while exploring new tools of investigation which may assist in a more successful prosecution. Myra Strand, MA, CA, is the Chief Servant Leader and sole owner of Strand² Squared LLC where she provides training and education, both in person and through the online academy and consultation and agency support services. Myra began working with people who have trauma in 1995. She has experience with youth with complex trauma and serious mental