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Is Porn Addiction Ruining Your Marriage? Expert Advice & The Cities Most-Effected

Published on
Georgina Vass
Relationship and Sex Therapist
Charlotte Talbot
Charlotte Talbot
Partner – Family Law Beecham
Peacock Solicitors

Relationship and Sex Therapist Georgina Vass and Divorce Lawyer Charlotte Talbot Dissect the Ramifications of Rising Porn Addiction in the UK.

Pornography – and the UK’s relationship with it – has come under the spotlight repeatedly throughout 2025. From the introduction of the Online Safety Act, designed to restrict access to explicit content for under-18s, to Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba’s brave admission of a 30-year pornography addiction that he says “destroyed his life inside out,” the national conversation has intensified.

Now, most recently, Pornhub — the largest pornography site in the world — has released its statistical round-up of the UK’s pornography habits in 2025. The findings have coincided with recent reports of ‘out of control’ pornography use by therapists, and point to a growing appetite for increasingly extreme and addictive content.

This extreme content can be seen in the rise of controversial UK porn actors, including Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips, both of whom became the subjects of widely discussed documentaries this year examining the personal and psychological impact of producing extreme pornography.

To explore the impact pornography addiction is having on married couples and help those affected by pornography addiction in 2026, we spoke to Sex Therapist Georgina Vass and Family Law Divorce Lawyer Charlotte Talbot from Beecham Peacock.

Where in the UK is searching for Pornhub’s top searches?

In Pornhub’s 2025 report, the top-searched terms for pornographic content include ‘Milf’, ‘Lesbian’ and ‘British’ porn. When we cross-reference these popular categories with Google searches from the UK’s main cities, we gain insight into which UK cities are engaging with popular explicit content the most.

While these results don’t necessarily indicate addiction, they do show that Leeds, Newcastle and Bristol take the top spots when it comes to Googling t

he UK’s most commonly searched porn categories – which could be reflective of increased porn use overall.

What is meant by porn addiction?

“First off, scientifically, there is not yet such a thing as a porn addiction, in the medical sense,” clarifies Vass. “When we think about excessive porn consumption, it’s usually classified as an impulse control disorder, and like other disorders, such as personality or anxiety disorders, it can strain intimacy and connection in romantic relationships.

“There is absolutely a context where pornography can be consumed healthily within relationships, but pornography dependence is evident and problematic when it negatively affects someone’s mental, physical, social, occupational or financial wellbeing and cannot be voluntarily curtailed.”

The impact on intimacy and relationships

“If a person finds that the time spent consuming porn is interfering with or is replacing time spent connecting with their partner, then that can be problematic,” Vass continues. “Porn can create unrealistic expectations of body standards, illicit a change in sexual responses, detach sex from emotional context and fuel gendered stereotypes, which over time may distort how people view their real-life relationships.

“As a general rule, if porn use begins to create psychological distress or you notice that it’s getting in the way of socialising, work commitments or other meaningful things in your life – then its use is becoming problematic and will likely be affecting your intimacy and relationship. For example, this can manifest in unexplained, negative changes to sexual functioning with your partners.”

“Intimacy breakdown is a natural part of couples drifting apart, provided the divorce hasn’t been caused by a single, catastrophic incident – such as cheating, or any other irreparable form of breaking trust,” adds divorce lawyer, Charlotte Talbot. “We’ve increasingly seen crippling pornography use play a part in divorce, as the partner without the dependency on porn leaves the situation if a couple cannot get past it.”

Can a marriage recover from porn addiction?

“You and your partner can create whatever version of a relationship you both want; you’re both writing the script,” says Vass, “so long-term relationships can recover from most things if both partners are committed to the work.

“Couples who choose to recommit can repair with open communication, trust building and allowing each other time to forgive. Joint therapy can help, as some couples find it difficult to communicate effectively without strong emotions when the addressed problem is still fresh.

“For a marriage to recover, the individual who’s struggling with porn use must address the problem affecting the relationship,” Vass continues. “Successful recovery from porn dependency looks like decreased frequency and duration of use and a reduction in cravings – it’s about regaining control.

“For the couple as a unit, recovery includes forgiveness, removing the temptation to weaponise the problem, and maintaining hope and optimism for their future.”

Can porn addiction become a legal matter in divorce?

“UK divorce law is now no-fault, meaning the court isn’t concerned with assigning blame,” Talbot explains. “However, that doesn’t mean behaviour within a marriage is irrelevant. When excessive pornography use contributes to emotional neglect, secrecy, financial strain or a breakdown in trust, it can form part of the wider circumstances behind why a relationship has irretrievably broken down and form a point of reference in extreme cases concerning abuse.

“Generally, pornography use tends to sit alongside other relationship difficulties,” Talbot says. “Some clients have noted pornography addiction as a key driver that led to feeling disconnected, unsupported or unable to continue in the marriage – and when that happens, the law focuses on fairness and wellbeing.

“From a legal perspective, most implications concern cases where addiction to adult material is extreme, potentially impacting child access arrangements,“ Talbot explains. “Addressing problematic behaviour early – whether through communication, therapy or professional support – can make a significant difference to both personal outcomes and legal ones.” 


Read more articles by Beecham Peacock LLP.

About Charlotte Talbot

Charlotte is a Partner in the Family Department at Beecham Peacock LLP. She specialises in all aspects of Family Law. Charlotte qualified from Northumbria University on the LLB Exempting Degree in 2004 and started her training contact with Beecham Peacock in August 2004 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2006. She has been based in the Family Department since qualification and became a member of the Law Society Children Panel Accreditation Scheme in July 2010. She is also a member of the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme and Resolution. Charlotte has extensive experience in all areas of Family Law.

About Georgina Vass

As a relationship and sex therapist, with over 15 years of academic and professional experience in sex-education and mental health services, Georgina offers a sex-positive approach to individuals and couples.

Using a combination of warmth and humor, along with a background in CBT, psychotherapy, and family therapy in New York City and Brighton, she strive’s to offer her clients an integrative approach using a variety of evidence-based tools to reduce the difficulties that they are experiencing and collaborate with them to enable more helpful changes.

Georgina also adopts a biopsychosocial approach to consider my client’s biology, psychology, physical health, emotional wellbeing, and environment and how these factors relate to create a full picture of their presenting issues.

Find out more.

For press

For further information, please contact John Hannen at john@inspiredagency.co.uk or call 0191 265 8585.

If you wish to cover this story, please credit Beecham Peacock with this link: https://www.beechampeacock.co.uk/family-law/

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Mapping Domestic Abuse in England & Wales: The Areas Most Heavily Affected
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Mapping Domestic Abuse in England & Wales: The Areas Most Heavily Affected

Published on
Charlotte Talbot
Charlotte Talbot
Partner – Family Law
Beecham Peacock Solicitors

Google Search Data Highlights The UK Areas Searching For The Domestic Abuse Hotline Most Often

TW: Please be aware that this article discusses domestic violence and violence against women and girls (VAWG). If you are affected by these issues, you can find free and confidential support and assistance via the organisations listed at the base of this article.

On July 24th 2025, the ONS released new statistics revealing the continued growth of the “combined measure of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking” in England and Wales – referring to how commonly women and girls were exposed to these crimes in 2024.

Produced on the back of the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade, the report reinforced a disturbing truth: VAWG is a UK epidemic that is only worsening with time. 

The report found that 12.8% of women and girls over the age of 16 have been victims of domestic abuse, violence or stalking – that’s almost one in eight. Survivors of such abuse are affected physically, mentally, financially and socially.

But these statistics only take into account reported crimes. A significant amount of VAWG goes unreported, due to fear of retaliation or repeated offences, the belief that a survivor will not be believed – largely due to the stigma and misogyny concerning this issue in the UK – an understandable lack of faith that real change will happen, and more. 

In May of this year, the government announced a £20 million boost to expand specialist support services for domestic abuse victims, a long-overdue lifeline for crucial services that have seen increased strain over recent years. The recent Women’s Aid’s 2025 audit indicates just why this intervention is so important, citing increased demand, with 60.1% of referrals to refuge services being rejected due to capacity issues.

Included in this funding boost was £6 million specifically to support allocated helplines, a 20% boost year-on-year. This would help provide 24-hour support for those seeking immediate help regarding VAWG.

Beecham Peacock, a Newcastle-based family law specialist, works to help victims and survivors seek the justice and compensation that they deserve following VAWG incidents and continued abuse.

Inspired by the invaluable work these essential helplines offer – often acting as the first port of call for those who have decided to speak out – Beecham Peacock has decided to investigate the areas in England and Wales that have seen the highest increase in searches for ‘domestic abuse helplines’.

It is essential to highlight the ongoing and widespread nature of VAWG. The hope is that, with enough attention brought to the issue, further funding can be brought to help keep vital services open across the UK.

Methodology

Beecham Peacock used Google Search Data to find the volume of searches for ‘domestic abuse helpline’ and ‘domestic abuse help’ in every county within a region. The total number of people within the country (according to Google’s metrics) was then factored in to find the number of searches per capita.

Research by Beecham and Peacock LLP

Charlotte Talbot, specialist family law solicitor from Beecham Peacock, had this to say about the findings:

“Overall, searches on Google for ‘domestic abuse helpline’ and ‘domestic abuse help’ were searched most often in Wales (6.03 per 100k), the East of England (4.74 per 100k) and the East Midlands (4.71 per 100k).

“However, it’s important to remember that plenty of women and girls across the country will be in desperate need of support, but not yet searching for resources online out of fear.

“We confidentially support many clients who practised extreme caution when first attempting to access help, such as using anonymous modes on their web browsers. We know that many people who are experiencing domestic violence do not search for support at all, out of fear that a partner will look through their devices and find their search history,” Talbot continues. 

“One of the periods that carries the most risk for women and girls experiencing domestic violence is when they make the decision to leave their abusive partner. This is why domestic abuse services are so important, providing victims and survivors with a safer way out of their situation, as well as continued support and advice.

“But government funding plays a crucial role in supporting these organisations, from traditional forms of outreach – including paying for community workers or leaflet and poster distribution – to providing beds in refuges for both women and their children.

“It’s crucial that we continue to highlight this growing issue and put pressure on the government to take further action today.”

For those who cannot safely access support online, trusted solicitors and refuges can help you find help and support.

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, dial 999. If you need help but are unable to speak to the operator, respond to their questions with non-identifying noises, such as coughing or tapping. When prompted, press 55 – this will transfer your call directly to the police.

We have also compiled a list of charitable organisations below that provide free and confidential support:

  • Refuge: Free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline – call 0808 2000 247 or chat online Monday–Friday, 10am–10pm.
  • Women’s Aid: Free advice and support, whether it’s you yourself who needs help or you’re concerned about someone else. The Women’s Aid Directory contains the contact details of over 550 local support services.
  • Safe Spaces: UK SAYS NO MORE has set up Safe Spaces in banks and pharmacies across the UK. Walk into any participating Safe Space in your local area and ask a member of staff to access the space – you can use the space in any way you see fit. Find your nearest Safe Space.

Childline: If you’re under 18 and concerned about domestic abuse, you can call Childline for free on 0800 1111. Your phone call to Childline will not show up on any phone bills. You can also chat 1-2-1 with a Childline counsellor online.

Read more articles by Beecham Peacock LLP.

About Charlotte Talbot

Charlotte is a Partner in the Family Department at Beecham Peacock LLP. She specialises in all aspects of Family Law. Charlotte qualified from Northumbria University on the LLB Exempting Degree in 2004 and started her training contact with Beecham Peacock in August 2004 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2006. She has been based in the Family Department since qualification and became a member of the Law Society Children Panel Accreditation Scheme in July 2010. She is also a member of the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme and Resolution. Charlotte has extensive experience in all areas of Family Law.

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Thinking About A Prenup? Divorce Solicitor Answers Your Most-Googled Questions
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Thinking About A Prenup? Divorce Solicitor Answers Your Most-Googled Questions

Published on
Sophia Yau-Rosher
Sophia Yau-Rosher
Director
Beecham Peacock LLP

The celebrity world is abuzz with yet another high-profile divorce case. Billionaire and former record executive, David Geffen, has filed for divorce from his 32-year-old dancer husband, David Armstrong. The marriage only lasted two years, and despite the 82-year-old being worth a reported $8.7 billion, the couple did not sign a prenup.

Although the majority of us won’t have anywhere near as much wealth to protect, it’s important to protect your future, ensuring that your assets remain protected in the event of a divorce. The first three months of 2024 alone saw 27,908 divorce applications, with 21,662 final orders also granted.

With more and more engaged couples entering into marriage with a realistic viewpoint, prenups are becoming more commonplace than ever. The popularity of prenups has risen by 60% in recent years, with postnup agreements seeing an increase of nearly 185%.

If you – like 31% of couples who now have a prenup – are anxious around the concept of tying your assets to your relationship, you will likely have some questions. Expert divorce solicitor Sophia Yau-Rosher – from Newcastle-based divorce solicitors Beecham Peacock – answers the top ten most-Googled prenup questions per month, helping you stay informed ahead of your marriage.

1. What is a prenup?

“Put simply, a prenup is a legal document that two parties agree to before they marry, or enter a civil partnership,” Yau-Rosher explains.

“The document sets out the financial responsibilities of both parties and allows for the protection of certain assets, including property, investments, inheritance and more in the event of a divorce. It also outlines which party is responsible for specific debts and other financial issues, should the marriage or civil partnership come to an end.

“A prenup can provide protection and offer clarity for both parties in the event of a difficult or contentious divorce.”

2. Can you change a prenup?

“Ahead of your marriage, you can make as many changes to your prenup as you like,” Yau-Rosher assures. “As long as both parties have sought independent legal advice and feel comfortable with the changes, there is no reason why amendments cannot be made to the document before it is signed.

“However, after you are legally married, you cannot change or modify your prenuptial agreement. If your financial or emotional circumstances change during the course of your marriage and the prenup is no longer relevant, you can consider a postnuptial agreement – or postnup – which carries the same kind of legal weighting.”

3. Are prenups legal in the UK?

“Your prenup is not legally binding in either England or Wales. A court will not automatically enforce the terms of your prenup in the event of a divorce. However, a prenup that both parties have freely entered into will likely add weight to any court arrangements.

“If both parties concerned have disclosed their full financial situations and received independent legal advice pertaining to the prenup, the court will usually give considerable legal weight to the agreement during any financial disputes.”

4. What does a prenup do?

“Essentially, a prenup safeguards any assets that you or your partner bring to the marriage, protecting your interests in the event of a divorce. It also deals with the financial impact of any inheritance, dependents – such as current or future children – and any shifts in earning potential.

“Your prenuptial agreement provides you and any children from previous relationships with financial reassurance in the case of divorce,” Yau-Rosher explains. “It is not a sign that either party is unsure about the marriage, but rather a sensible step in future financial planning.”

5. Can you write your own prenup in the UK?

“As prenuptial agreements are not legally binding documents, you can pen your own in the UK. However, in order for the court to take your prenup seriously in the event of a divorce, it needs to be prepared in a specific way.

“I always advise my clients to seek professional legal assistance in drafting their prenup, as DIY agreements often don’t stand up in court,” Yau-Rosher counsels. “This way, you can ensure that the document is put together in a way that will protect and benefit both parties, if it is required in the future.”

6. What cannot be included in a prenup UK?

“There are a number of strict rules regarding what can and cannot be included in a prenuptial agreement in the UK. If these rules are not obeyed, it could lead to your prenup losing all legal weight in court.

“Your prenup should not include any personal or lifestyle issues, references to child support, visitation rights or child custody, or discussion of matters that could be deemed ‘unfair’ for one or both parties. A family law solicitor can help you draft a prenup that adheres to these rules.”

7. How much does a prenup cost?

“The cost of a prenup varies, but the majority of professional solicitors in the UK will charge £2,000–£5,000. The more complex your financial situation and the larger your wealth, the more your prenuptial agreement is likely to cost.” Yau-Rosher explains.

8. How do I get a prenup?

“The first step in securing a prenup is always to seek professional legal advice from a family law specialist. Both parties should seek their own independent legal counsel. You will then be required to provide your chosen solicitor with a full run-down of your current financial situation, along with any information about debts, income and inherited wealth. The solicitor can then draft the document.

“Once both parties are satisfied, the prenuptial agreement can be signed in the presence of the solicitors and independent witnesses. Ideally, the prenup should be signed at least 28 days prior to the signing of your marriage or civil partnership certificate.”

9. Can you cancel a prenup?

“Cancelling a prenup is a complex process, but can be achieved under specific circumstances. For example, if the prenup is deemed unconscionable at the time of signing, due to a lack of legal advice or due to one party being under pressure or duress to sign.

“If you can prove that your partner has committed fraud or deliberately misrepresented their finances, this constitutes another reason for cancellation of the prenup,” Yau-Rosher says. “A prenup may also be deemed invalid if the financial situation of one or both parties has changed significantly, making the original agreement unfair.”

10. What is a postnuptial agreement?

“A postnuptial agreement is very similar to a prenuptial agreement, aside from the fact that it is drafted and signed after the marriage or civil partnership, rather than before.

“You can opt for a postnup instead of a prenup, or mutually agree to replace the original agreement with a postnup if your or your partner’s financial situation changes significantly after you marry or enter into a civil partnership.

“Due process must still be followed and both parties must still seek independent legal advice to ensure that the postnup holds a similar legal weighting to a prenup if required in court.”

“If you are considering entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, seeking independent legal advice is always the best first step. Communicate your intentions and any concerns with your partner to ensure that you both enter the agreement with shared goals and a realistic outlook when it comes to your finances.”

Read more articles by Beecham Peacock Solicitors.

About Sophia Yau-Rosher

Sophia Yau-Rosher is a Director at Beecham Peacock Solicitors. Beecham Peacock Solicitors are a trusted divorce solicitors based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and they know how important it is for your divorce settlement to be treated with the utmost respect and care.

They have countless experiences handling intricate divorce proceedings, so they understand that the process needs to be quick, smooth and respectful for both parties involved.

If you are getting a divorce, ending your civil partnership or even just agreeing to the terms of a separation, their talented divorce lawyers will make sure you are supplied with the most current and prudent advice to deal with the money, assets and property belonging to both parties.

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