On 8th February 2015, Women and Equalities Minister Nicky Morgan launched a Helpline to support victims of ‘revenge porn’, where people post private sexual images of others on the internet without their consent.
Run by Southwest Grid for Learning Trust, the Helpline will provide callers with information on legal help available and their right to have the images removed from websites.
In addition, the Helpline will liaise with law enforcement and media companies to remove content, where possible, and offer details of free legal advice. It will also signpost individuals to additional support services such as Women’s Aid, Stalking Helpline or Relate if needed.
Folami Prehaye, founder of the revenge porn support website www.voic.org.uk, said:
“I set up my website to offer support to victims who made contact with me, and to encourage other women to come forward to raise their concerns and speak up about this crime. Now this Helpline will help everybody that needs support and advice”.
The Government is introducing a specific offence of revenge pornography, covering the distribution of a private sexual image of someone without their consent with the intention to cause distress. Those convicted will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
The phone number for the Helpline is 0845 6000 459 and further information on the Helpline is available online www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk. This is a pilot Helpline which will run up to March 2016.
How Nelsons can help
In addition to the Helpline, if you find yourself in a position where you are the victim of revenge porn you could apply to the High Court for injunctive relief and for an order for messages and posts on social networking sites which identify you to be removed.
If you need advice on this issue, please contact our expert Family Law team who will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you information about the services that we can provide. Contact us via our online form or call 0800 024 1976.