Monday 16 February 2015

Revenge porn now a criminal offence.

Following on from my blog of last week, revenge porn is now a crime. A new clause in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which obtained Royal Assent last week, specifically forbids "Disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress". It carries a maximum jail sentence of two years - up from six months under other laws previously used to prosecute revenge porn offenders.

However, some things haven’t been tackled - as even if the legislation punishes the perpetrators, it doesn’t help remove the images from the internet. A new government helpline for revenge porn, also launched last week, will offer legal advice on how to remove pictures and may get closer to the heart of the problem.

With the speed and reach of the internet today, the effects of revenge porn on the victim can be devastating - with images shared with family, friends and work colleagues.

If you have been, or fear you might be, the victim of revenge porn then do get in touch with us.  Sally Fitzherbert in our Family Law team will be happy to help you.

No comments:

Post a Comment