A coalition of image-based abuse survivors and campaigners have penned an open letter to the federal government, calling for the introduction of a complete Picture-Primarily based Abuse Regulation, in step with GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign with Not Your Porn, Finish Violence Towards Girls and Women (EVAW), and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Final week, the federal government introduced a “crackdown on intimate picture abuse”, which was supported by journalist, campaigner, and image-based abuse survivor Georgia Harrison. Nevertheless, the proposals have been described as “disappointing” by 20+ image-based abuse survivors and allies.
In a press launch, the federal government introduced that sharing pictures with out consent will likely be made a “precedence offence” below the On-line Security Act, which means social media firms must “proactively take away and cease this materials showing on their platforms.” However some activists – together with the GLAMOUR Talks… Consent marketing campaign – say the proposals do not go far sufficient.
The open letter addressed to the Proper Honourable Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Know-how and the Division of Science, Innovation and Know-how, revealed on Not Your Porn, tentatively welcomes the federal government’s dedication to addressing image-based abuse. Nevertheless, it describes the brand new proposals as nothing greater than an “administrative change”.
The letter additional highlights that Ofcom – the federal government physique that regulates on-line companies –already had the authority to control on-line platforms below the On-line Security Act. What would have been useful, survivors say, is “a top level view of how precisely Ofcom plans to utilise” these powers.
It continues: “The continued delay in addressing these points demonstrates a lack of knowledge of their urgency regardless of this authorities’s evident consciousness of the very actual penalties survivors of picture based mostly abuse face on daily basis.”
The letter highlights the necessity to introduce a complete Picture Primarily based Sexual Abuse Act, as campaigned for by GLAMOUR, Not Your Porn, EVAW, and Professor Clare McGlynn, which consists of the next 5 key asks:
- Strengthen felony legal guidelines about creating, taking and sharing intimate pictures with out consent (together with sexually specific deepfakes).
- Enhance civil legal guidelines for survivors to take motion in opposition to perpetrators and tech firms.
- Stop image-based abuse via complete relationships, intercourse and well being schooling.
- Fund specialist companies that present help to victims and survivors of image-based abuse.
- Create an On-line Abuse Fee to carry tech firms accountable for image-based abuse.
It additionally highlights the federal government’s failure to acknowledge the “Not Yours to View” marketing campaign, in partnership with The Revenge Porn Helpline and the Girls and Equalities Committee, which requires laws to be “handed with essential urgency in regards to the blocking of internet sites and platforms that don’t adjust to take down requests for picture based mostly abuse materials.”
Preventative measures, similar to guardianship watermarking and enhanced schooling on consent, are additionally not addressed within the On-line Security Act, in line with survivors and campaigners.
The letter continues: “What about aftercare for victims and survivors? Even in instances the place the perpetrator is convicted, survivors nonetheless face important boundaries to receiving satisfactory psychological well being help, with no recourse for searching for financial compensation to fund personal remedy for PTSD and different associated psychological well being issues.”
You possibly can learn the letter in full right here.
Discover out extra about GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign in partnership with the Finish Violence Towards Girls Coalition (EVAW), Not Your Porn and Professor Clare McGlynn, demanding that the federal government introduces a devoted, complete Picture-Primarily based Abuse legislation to guard girls and women.
Revenge Porn Helpline offers recommendation, steering and help to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who stay within the UK. You possibly can name them on 0345 6000 459.
For extra from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, comply with her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
