Is This "Vogue" Cover Dangerous?

Domestic violence advocates say yes.

The latest issue of Vogues Hommes International (a Paris-based edition targeted to men) features a striking image on its cover — of Brazilian model Marlon Teixera with his hand wrapped around Stephanie Seymour’s neck.

Anti-violence groups in New York are protesting the cover, pointing out that choking is sometimes considered a predictor of future, more violent domestic abuse. As the groups Sanctuary for Families, Safe Horizons, NOW NYC and Equality Now wrote in a letter to publisher Conde Nast:

“While this cover was perhaps intended to shock and thrill potential readers, the truly shocking fact is that it glorifies violence against women as an act of love.”

While the photo has incited some backlash, it’s not the first time choking has appeared in a fashion shoot:

This March 2012 editorial in Pop magazine, for example, featured 16-year-old model Hailey Clauson also getting choked. In other photos in the spread, Clauson was pictured standing with naked porn stars.