"Revenge porn" ruins lives Call it what it is: sexual abuse
"Revenge porn" ruins lives. Call it what it is: sexual abuse
“Revenge porn”: an ought-to-be-outdated term popularly used to describe image-based sexual abuse.
Put simply, image-based sexual abuse occurs when one individual takes another individual’s private or intimate photos or videos and shares them publicly without their consent.
It’s an issue that has received growing media interest, academic attention and public scrutiny over the years. But, while the crime is now being acknowledged as a serious one, survivors continue to face devastating consequences, and perpetrators continue to enjoy leniency.
So why do perpetrators so regularly get away with as little as a slap on the wrist?
For a video series about the issue, we invited four experts to delve into the details. Under the guidance of award-winning journalist Michelle Rawlins, they covered everything from present laws and legislation, the misnomer that is “revenge porn”, and ways we can help survivors.
Our experts include Professor Emma Bond and Katie Tyrrell from the University of Suffolk, both specialising in online abuse; David McClenaghan, Head of Abuse at Bolt Burdon Kemp; and Folami Prehaye of VOIC (Victims of Internet Crime).
View the videos below.
An account of image-based sexual abuse
Anyone who has had their private photos or videos posted online or shared without their consent knows all too well how distressing it can be. In fact, researchers Kristen Zaleski and Jessica Klein have suggested that survivors of image-based sexual abuse suffer similar symptoms to those who have experienced sexual assault1.
When Folami Prehaye found out she had become the target of image-based sexual abuse, a self-mantra kept her going: “I had to tell myself daily: ‘You can’t actually change what’s happened to you, Folami, so what do you do now?’ It’s about taking ownership of what’s happened, taking back your power and control, and not wanting to stay in a victim state.”
Folami’s proactivity would see her set up VOIC (Victims of Internet Crime) to help others who had gone through the same ordeal.
Redefining “revenge porn”
Any discussion about “revenge porn” must address the term itself. The word “revenge” implies that the target of the abuse “had it coming” or was in some way responsible for what happened to them. And “pornography” signifies material created for sexual excitement.
Of course, in cases of image-based sexual abuse, neither is true. The blame lies solely with the perpetrator, and no intimate image or video shared without consent can be classified as pornography.
As such, when the crime is discussed in the media, it can feel disconcerting for survivors to hear it being described as “revenge porn”. Professor Emma Bond is Director of Research at the University of Suffolk. She’s known for her work on online and social media environments as well as her research interest in the everyday interactions between people, society and technology. As she acknowledges, “I think it’s very important that the media carefully consider how they present cases of image-based sexual abuse.”
If we are to advocate for survivors, and remain wholly accurate, using the correct terminology is crucial.
Is the law fit for purpose?
In February 2015, “revenge porn” became a criminal offence in England and Wales2. In 2016, Northern Ireland and Scotland followed suit. Finally – and significantly for victims – image-based sexual abuse was officially written into law across the UK.
The law currently mandates that perpetrators can be punished with up to two years in prison. David McClenaghan, Head of Bolt Burdon Kemp’s abuse department, says it’s not enough.
“Under the current laws,” says McClenaghan, “there are problems facing those who want to come forward to the police and secure prosecutions”.
A major issue is a lack of automatic right to anonymity.
Ironically (and deplorably), for a survivor to keep their private videos and images out of the spotlight – and to be able to punish the individual responsible – they currently have no choice but to consent to their case being made public.
The right to anonymity is a simple change in the law that would allow more survivors to come forward.
The landscape of image-based sexual abuse
Katie Tyrrell is Research Assistant at the University of Suffolk, with particular research interests in mental health and cyberpsychology.
According to Tyrrell, the number of people contacting the Revenge Porn Helpline is growing. The Helpline is dedicated to supporting adults who have become the target of this type of sexual abuse. During a research project in partnership with Laura Higgins, founder of the Helpline, she determined that there were 650 calls made to the Helpline in 2016 and 1,177 in 2018.
Of course, it’s difficult to determine whether the increased number of cases is due to an increase in the crime itself or simply because an increase in awareness of the crime has encouraged survivors to come forward.
As the stigma that often surrounds a target of image-based sexual abuse lessens, it’s likely that more survivors will make their voices heard.
The demographics of image-based sexual abuse
There’s an overwhelming gender bias in cases of image-based sexual abuse, with 64% of survivors that come forward being female.
Other key demographics include people who are transgender, people in same-sex relationships, as well as anyone in a relationship where coercion and control are prevalent.
“Quite often victims are absolutely terrified [when they’ve become the target of image-based sexual abuse],” explains Professor Emma Bond, adding that social stigma, shame and self-blame can make it difficult for them to seek help.
Add to that the lack of anonymity in the current law and it’s possible there are hundreds of individuals suffering silently of whom we’re simply unaware.
Are police adequately trained to deal with image-based sexual abuse?
It can take time, courage and a determined effort for survivors to feel ready to report their case to the police.
Unfortunately, when survivors approach the police, they don’t always find the help, support, protection or expertise they need. Research by Katie Tyrrell found that 94% of police had received no training around image-based sexual abuse, and were woefully unequipped to deal with these cases.
And, a year after the crime became law, a BBC Freedom of Information request found that 61% of the 1,160 reported incidents of image-based sexual abuse resulted in no action being taken against the perpetrator3.
For the sake of the survivors, and to ensure punishment of perpetrators, educating the police force needs to be a high priority.
Someone has shared my images or videos without my consent. What do I do?
If someone has shared your images or videos without your consent, and you would like to take action, there are several avenues to explore.
The Revenge Porn Helpline is set up to support survivors with whatever they need, be it contacting police, helping to get images or videos taken down, or providing legal advice or counselling. You can also contact VOIC for further support, or pursue legal action if you’re ready to hold the perpetrator to account.
Bolt Burdon Kemp has had extensive experience dealing with cases of image-based sexual abuse. Our specialist abuse lawyers will work with you to decide the next steps to take together, based on what you would like to see happen. Contact us if you’d like to have an informal and confidential chat about your case.