Revenge porn is considered to be the distribution of a private sexual image of someone without their consent and with the intention of causing them distress. The title “revenge porn’” stems from the idea that ex-partners share naked photographs of their ex’s online as a way of getting even after bitter break-ups.
Eight police forces in England and Wales confirmed that there were 149 allegations of revenge porn made between January 2012 and July 2014. Only six incidents resulted in police action
In April 2014, various UK Charities, including The National Stalking Helpline and Women’s Aid reported the increase in social media of revenge porn by ex-partners sharing intimate films and photographs of their other half on sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Previously, individuals would be prosecuted for various existing criminal offences under statutes such as the Malicious Communications Act 1988, Communications Act 2003 and the offence of harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. However it was believed that a “stand alone offence” was the most appropriate way forward to combat this. As a result revenge porn will be made a specific criminal offence in England and Wales in the Spring via the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.
The new law defines revenge porn as “photographs or films which show people engaged in sexual activity or depicted in a sexual way or with their genitals exposed, where what is shown would not usually be seen in public”. Sexual material also includes anything that a reasonable person would consider to be sexual, such as “a picture of someone who is engaged in sexual behaviour or posing in a sexually provocative way”. It will also apply to text messages and physical distribution of images.
Offenders could face up to two years imprisonment.
In America recently, the government took a major step towards the fight against revenge-porn in the case of Craig Brittain. He created a website that published nude photos of women without their permission and encouraged others to add then charged fees of $200 to $500 to take the photos down. The website was referred to as revenge porn as it is believed that the images were obtained by ex partners.
In England, the aim of Charities, Police and the Ministry of Justice is to launch a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the new legislation. The slogan being used for the campaign is “Be Aware B4 You Share”.
Revenge Porn can constitute harassment which is a form of domestic violence. For further information in relation to domestic abuse click here