Almost every person that contacts the Revenge Porn Helpline about the sharing of intimate images without consent is encouraged to report what has happened to the police, if they haven’t already. This is because we believe that every person affected by this devastating crime has a right to justice, a fair hearing of their grievance and for an attempt at redress.
But reporting to the police isn’t easy, and every step through the criminal justice system gets harder before you get your day in court. And the more complex your case, the more difficult it gets.
We know that intimate image abuse doesn’t happen in isolation, and clients that come to us frequently report other abuses such as threats, abusive messages, perpetrators turning up at home or places of work. We often signpost these clients to the National Stalking Helpline for specialist support and advice on harassment and stalking.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which runs the National Stalking Helpline, is hosting the National Stalking Awareness Week 2022 Conference on Wednesday 27th April 2022. The theme of this year’s event is Bridging the Gap and will highlight the important role that stalking advocates play between victims of stalking and the criminal justice system. Advocates have a key role in ensuring that the victim can navigate their case’s journey informed and empowered and that their voice is heard throughout the process.
To find out more about the National Stalking Helpline’s advocates and the important role they play, visit Bridging the Gap: National Stalking Awareness Week 25-29 April 2022.
If you’ve been affected by the sharing of intimate images without consent, or threats to share, get in touch with Revenge Porn Helpline. We’re open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and you can find out how to contact us here.
