According to the Revenge Porn Helpline, a UK-based organization dedicated to supporting adult victims of intimate image abuse, reports regarding the sharing of explicit images have surged by 57% annually over the past decade.
This alarming statistic coincides with warnings issued by the charity about covert networks where men are actively sharing and soliciting intimate images of specific women without consent, using peer-to-peer messaging apps and online forums. These activities are reminiscent of the troubling case involving Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband, who discovered over 50 men willing to sexually assault her while she was incapacitated in France.
Sophie Mortimer, a manager at the Revenge Porn Helpline, shared insights with The Guardian, stating, ‘We are witnessing images being posted by complete strangers that are collected and redistributed peer-to-peer.’
She emphasized that there are men actively searching for images of named women, hailing from places like York or Huddersfield. These pictures are often circulated along with derogatory remarks about the women and their supposed treatment.
Although the term ‘revenge porn’ typically refers to ex-partners sharing explicit images to retaliate against women, Mortimer argues that the issue stretches far beyond personal vendettas: ‘This represents a deeply rooted misogyny rather than simply sharing images following a relationship’s dissolution.’
Understanding the Laws Surrounding Image-Based Sexual Abuse
The Revenge Porn Helpline has been operational for a decade, during which time the proliferation of explicit image sharing has intensified. Over this period, the charity has received reports of more than 400,000 intimate images, translating into over 60,000 individual cases.
This organization played a significant role in making the non-consensual sharing of private or sexual images illegal in England and Wales, effective since April 2015. However, as reported by The Guardian, convictions remain alarmingly low, with only 277 individuals having been convicted in the year ending June 2024.
Mortimer questions the effectiveness of existing legislation, asking, ‘If the laws are stronger and protections are improved, why do our phones continue to ring daily? Why do so many individuals still feel frightened, isolated, and unprotected?’
She attributes these persistent issues to the inadequacies within the laws, pointing out the lack of a clear definition of ‘intimate,’ which neglects cultural sensitivities. Additionally, the acceptance of images altered with emojis over women’s bodies creates loopholes permitting the sharing of such images.
Despite the criminal implications for offenders, Mortimer believes insufficient effort is being made to eliminate harmful imagery: ‘Imagine a situation where an abusive partner is imprisoned, yet the incriminating images remain online and accessible to the public.’
Mortimer stresses that the potential for prosecution is not a sufficient deterrent when enforcement measures are inadequate.
The Revenge Porn Helpline is advocating for improved measures to combat image-based abuse, including:
- Establishing confirmed non-consensual intimate images as illegal to empower the removal or blocking of such content.
- Expanding definitions of intimate image abuse to better protect individuals.
- Accelerating enforcement of existing laws.
- Implementing mandatory training for law enforcement agencies.
- Ensuring long-term sustainable funding for the Revenge Porn Helpline.
If you require assistance regarding image-based sexual abuse or related issues, please visit revengepornhelpline.org.uk. You can report image abuse or reach out to the charity by calling the hotline at 0345 6000 459, available Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM; or by emailing help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk. Additionally, a 24/7 chatbot is available for support.
