"These offences can be particularly sensitive and distressing."
New proposals created by the Sentencing Council could mean those who create revenge porn face tougher consequences. The guidelines, created on 30th March 2017, aims to tackle the rising number of revenge porn cases.
The new proposals will look into the level of culpability in the case. They will even encourage a prison sentence for cases that cause high levels of distress. Those who create revenge porn could face two years in jail.
The Sentencing Council has compiled a list of situations where a judge may need to include a jail sentence. If the offender behaves in a way that causes distress in their victims, such as sending images to their family, they could go to jail.
Also, judges will need to seriously consider sentencing when a case appears to involve a long amount of planning. These could include making a fake social media account, acting as the victim and uploading the pictures.
This will also include cases where perpetrators have posted the pictures widely on the Internet, potentially showing it to a large, unknown audience.
However, these new proposals have not arrived overnight. Back in April 2015, the UK government first introduced them. After campaigners and victims demanded more action for revenge porn. Previously, the UK government placed these type of cases under copyright and harassment laws.
The Sentencing Council also reconsidered consequences for harassment, stalking and domestic violence. They now set out a list of examples of behaviours that create distress and requires planning.
Mrs Justice McGowan, a member of the Sentencing Council, said: “These offences can be particularly sensitive and distressing, leading to very significant harm to victims.
“The new guidelines we are proposing will help ensure sentences reflect the seriousness of these offences and take into account the increases in sentence levels for stalking and harassment introduced by Parliament.”
Overall, the council want consequences to reflect the serious nature of these crimes.
Charities have welcomed the new proposals. In particular, children charities praise the proposals as more young people are often victims of revenge porn. Smartphones and apps such as Snapchat can create greater accessibility for opportunistic offenders.
Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, Javed Khan, said: “The devastating effects of sharing sexual images without consent can never be underestimated and often leaves young lives in tatters.
“Offenders must pay for their actions and we must make sure those affected are given the support they need.”
Therefore, the UK government hope these new proposals will tackle the increase in harassing behaviour.
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