Watching violent porn linked to sexual violence

The more violent porn Australian men watch, the more likely they are to perpetuate sexual violence, according to new research.

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) study, released on Tuesday, examined the association between viewing pornography and self reported sexual violence in the past 12 months.

It found that viewing pornography in general didn't have an affect on self-reported sexual violence, but watching violent porn meant Australian men were more likely to report taking part in sexual violence.

Almost 2000 Australian heterosexual men aged between 20 and 45 participated in the online survey.

It found that 90 per cent of participants had watched pornography in the past year and almost half of them had watched porn in the week before.

When comparing those who did and didn't watch violent pornography, those who had watched violent porn were twice as likely to have engaged in sexual violence.

But the study conceded that those seeking violent pornography may already have an emotionally detached orientation towards sex and hostile attitudes towards women.

"With the ever-growing availability of pornography within a high-tech world, increased research into its influence and subsequent consequences on behaviours is vital," AIC Deputy Director Rick Brown said on Tuesday.

"Studies such as these, build our understanding of the influences of pornography in the lead up to sexual violence, and will assist in reducing violence against women both in Australia and internationally."

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Australian Associated Press