With the development of technology we are witnessing the introduction of new offences as the law evolves in response to social behaviours. Revenge Porn is the latest of offences to be criminalised under Government legislation following a number of public awareness campaigns.

The law which came into effect of April this year meant those who share sexually explicit content of a partner without attaining their consent could find themselves facing criminal prosecution. In an attempt to curb the increasing rise of revenge porn particularly among young adults, those convicted of the offence could receive a custodial sentence of up to two years.

However despite the passing of legislation the law governing this area is heavily undeveloped and lacking in any serious authoritative precedent. As always with cases involving the sexual victimisation of vulnerable adults a key issue has been how to encourage victims to come forward, as well as the technicalities involved in securing prosecution.

Currently the prosecution of revenge law hinges on the fact that the defendant must have shared private sexual photographs of the victim without attaining their consent. There is also an element of motive which must come into play as the prosecution must demonstrate that the accused intended to cause malicious harm or distress to the victim.

Unsurprisingly, as with the majority of cases involving a sexual crime, victims are unwilling to come forward feeling shame and embarrassment as an intimate moment becomes shared for the world to see. Online abuse is equally as serious an offence as physical abuse and it is hoped that the conviction of revenge porn will raise awareness of the detrimental affects it has to the victims and also their families.

In a society where things are becoming increasingly linked with technology an online media channels it is essential that the correct boundaries are put in place to protect an individuals privacy and integrity. The prosecution of revenge porn vital for the courts if they intend to keep up with the changing face of abuse crime where technology acts as a facilitating agent.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of revenge porn please don’t hesitate to contact Farleys’ specialist abuse team on 0845 050 1958. Alternatively please complete an online enquiry form.

As of the 1st October 2015 victims can now pursue compensation claims regarding revenge porn. For further information on how we can assist you click here.