This week, the UK Government announced new laws designed to strengthen efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.
Under amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill tabled in Parliament on the 3rd of November, victims of intimate image abuse will now have up to six times longer to report a crime. This marks a significant and necessary improvement.
Previously, those impacted by this abuse had just six months from the sharing of an intimate image without consent for a perpetrator to come to court. The new amendments mean perpetrators can be prosecuted within three years of the offence and within six months of the prosecutor obtaining sufficient evidence to bring a case.
The Government has previously faced scrutiny for limited progress in addressing intimate image abuse. While broader and more comprehensive action to tackle violence against women and girls is still required, this amendment represents an important and welcome development.
Improving Reporting Times – How Will This Support Those Affected by Intimate Image Abuse?
Supporting delayed discovery: Many victims do not immediately discover that intimate images have been shared without consent. Extending the reporting period ensures they still have an opportunity to seek justice.
Providing time to process trauma: Intimate image abuse is deeply distressing. A longer window to report gives victims the space to seek support and feel ready to engage with the criminal justice process.
Building trust in the justice system: Victims often lose confidence when they feel they are “out of time” to report. Longer prosecution periods empower people to come forward when they are ready.
Allowing time for complex investigations: Digital evidence can be intricate and time-consuming to gather. Extending prosecution limits enables law enforcement to build stronger, more effective cases.
While this amendment is an encouraging step, experts, including those at the Revenge Porn Helpline, are continuing to call for more robust measures, such as making confirmed non-consensual intimate images illegal.
Sophie Mortimer, Manager of the Revenge Porn Helpline at SWGfL, said:
“While we continue to wait for the Government’s new VAWG strategy, amendments such as this are welcome, although, as reflected through our campaigning and that of others, they are long overdue. Increasing prosecution times gives victims the time they deserve to process the devastating impact of this abuse and supports a more effective criminal justice response.
Cases of intimate image abuse are complex, with evidence often digital in nature. Extending prosecution periods provides law enforcement with the time needed to build a strong case. Many have been let down by the justice system, but this amendment stands more firmly on the side of victims. We must continue to see new laws that give those affected by intimate image abuse the protection they deserve.”
If you have been affected by intimate image abuse, you are not alone. The Revenge Porn Helpline offers confidential support to all adults across the UK. Please visit the Revenge Porn Helpline website for contact details, advice, and information.
