Revenge Porn Helpline Launches Campaign in Scotland to Support Adults Experiencing Intimate Image Abuse

As part of a new campaign for Scotland, the Revenge Porn Helpline, operated by SWGfL, is urging any adult (aged 18+) to seek non-judgemental support if they are concerned about intimate image abuse. Throughout the following weeks, SWGfL will be raising awareness around how adults can get support through the helpline whilst urging any adult who has experienced intimate image abuse to understand that they are not at fault.

Intimate image abuse, also referred to as ‘revenge porn’, is the act of sharing or threatening to share intimate images of someone, without their consent. Issues such as Sextortion and Voyeurism would also fall under the broader term of ‘intimate image abuse’. These are also supported by the Revenge Porn Helpline.

As stated in the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016, an offence has been committed if someone discloses, or threatens to disclose, an image which shows, or appears to show, another person in an intimate situation.

Data gathered from the Revenge Porn Helpline has shown the team remove over 260,000 intimate images since its creation in 2015. Some of the findings have highlighted that:

Cases from the helpline have illustrated a general societal attitude towards victim blaming with the idea that the person affected has brought some of the issue on themselves by ‘taking intimate images in the first place’. As part of this campaign, SWGfL and the Revenge Porn Helpline are raising essential awareness that taking intimate images is not the problem and that anyone who shares or threatens to share intimate images without consent is breaking the law. Blame lies with the perpetrator and not the victim.
 

Sophie Mortimer, Revenge Porn Helpline Manager at SWGfL, said:

The alarming rise in intimate image abuse highlights the essential need for support now. We remind those who are affected in Scotland that there is legislation in place and support available when you need it most. Intimate image abuse is not ok and blame should never lie with the victim. Perpetrators prey on fear and the work of the Revenge Porn Helpline aims to take that control away. A call or an email to the team is all it takes to get reassured and supported.

The Revenge Porn Helpline is open from 10am to 4pm: Monday to Friday.

Visit the website at revengepornhelpline.org.uk, get in touch with practitioners on: 0354 6000 459 or alternatively send an email  help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk.

Sections from this article have been taken from an original press release by SWGfL