Abusers sharing intimate images without consent face up to 6 months in prison

New amendments to the Online Safety Bill will protect victims of so-called ‘revenge porn’ by changing current laws which require the prosecution to prove that perpetrators shared sexual images or films in order to cause distress.

The Ministry of Justice says that removing the need for lawyers to prove the intention of distress will make it easier to charge and convict someone who shares intimate images without consent. Those found guilty of this offence have a maximum penalty of six months in custody.

Where it is proven that a perpetrator also intended to cause distress, alarm or humiliation, or to obtain sexual gratification, they could face a two-year prison term. Offenders found guilty of sharing the image for sexual gratification could also be placed on the sex offender register.

Report stage in the House of Lords – a further chance to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes – is scheduled to begin on 6 July. Read the full article below.

https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/abusers-sharing-intimate-images-without-consent-will-face-up-to-6-months-in-prison/