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 keeping with GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign with Not Your Porn, Finish Violence In opposition to Girls and Women (EVAW), and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Final week, the federal government introduced a “crackdown on intimate image 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 photographs with out consent will probably be made a “priority offence” beneath the On-line Security Act, that means social media firms should “proactively remove and stop this material appearing 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 Expertise and the Division of Science, Innovation and Expertise, 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 providers –already had the authority to manage on-line platforms beneath the On-line Security Act. What would have been useful, survivors say, is “an outline of how exactly Ofcom plans to utilise” these powers.
It continues: “The continued delay in addressing these issues demonstrates a lack of understanding of their urgency in spite of this government’s evident awareness of the very real consequences survivors of image based abuse face every day.”
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 legal legal guidelines about creating, taking and sharing intimate photographs with out consent (together with sexually express deepfakes).
- Enhance civil legal guidelines for survivors to take motion towards perpetrators and tech firms.
- Stop image-based abuse by complete relationships, intercourse and well being schooling.
- Fund specialist providers 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 “passed with critical urgency concerning the blocking of websites and platforms that do not comply with take down requests for image based abuse material.”
Preventative measures, equivalent to guardianship watermarking and enhanced schooling on consent, are additionally not addressed within the On-line Security Act, based on survivors and campaigners.
The letter continues: “What about aftercare for victims and survivors? Even in cases where the perpetrator is convicted, survivors still face significant barriers to receiving adequate mental health support, with no recourse for seeking monetary compensation to fund private treatment for PTSD and other related mental health disorders.”
You may learn the letter in full right here.
Discover out extra about GLAMOUR’s marketing campaign in partnership with the Finish Violence In opposition to 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 ladies.
Revenge Porn Helpline offers recommendation, steerage and help to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who dwell within the UK. You may name them on 0345 6000 459.
For extra from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, comply with her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
