England is considering placing “revenge porn” behaviours within the scope of domestic abuse charges, in part to encourage longer sentences for convicted abusers.

Revenge porn is described as the practice of distributing sexually explicit images without the individual’s consent.  In many cases this involves ex-partners sending sexually explicit images to peers, friends, or family.  In other cases the images are uploaded to the internet, and even used to extort money from the victim.

Maria Miller, the Basingstoke MP who raised the issue in England’s House of Commons, stated that revenge porn,  “leaves the victim feeling powerless—it can result in that person losing their career, damaging their future job prospects and devastating their relationships.” The October 2014 motion has been sent back for amendments and is expected to become law early this year.

England’s Crown Prosecutors have also received updated guidelines for dealing with technology impacted offences.  Under the new guidelines, the police and prosecutors are instructed to take a broader view of domestically abusive behaviour.

Since the new guidelines were released in May 2014, there has been a marked increase in cases prosecuted in court (Telegraph, December 29, 2014).  Alison Saunders, Director of Prosecutions said, “The predicted increase in caseload should be welcomed as a sign that what used to be a ‘hidden shame’ is now something that victims choose not to suffer in silence, but there are still thousands of silent victims who should not be afraid to speak up.”

Other examples of abuse included:  controlling the use of a complainant’s phone, harassment through text, mobile, email or social networking sites, posting defamatory or insulting comments, or stalking a victim through the use of GPS technology on a victim’s cell phone.

In Canada, most media attention on the issue of revenge porn has focused on teenagers who committed suicide after explicit images were circulated.

Last January, in Victoria B.C., a 17 year old girl was convicted of distributing child pornography after she forwarded explicit images and texts that were originally sent by the victim to her boyfriend.  It was believed to be the first Canadian conviction of a teen related to “sexting”.

To read more on the Victoria BC “sexting” case:  http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/news/story/1.2491605

To read more on the UK Prosecutors New Guide:  http://www.sundaypost.com/news-views/uk/prosecutors-get-new-abuse-guide-1.759069

Read Ms. Miller’s submissions at:   http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm140619/debtext/140619-0004.htm.

 

Jayne Embree, M.A.

 

Jayne holds a Masters in Psychology and is a highly experienced Divorce Coach and Child Specialist. Currently on sabbatical, Jayne is conducting research in the area of family dynamics and parental conflict.  

Areas of Practice: Family law including separation, divorce, mediation, arbitration, child & spousal support, support variations, guardianship, parenting time, access, property division and more. Victoria BC