The Revenge Porn Helpline Reveals 106% Increase in Reports
The Revenge Porn Helpline has released new data about how the service was used in 2023, demonstrating a 106% increase in reports compared to the previous year.
The latest findings reveal that nearly 19,000 cases were recorded across the year, with sextortion remaining the predominant concern reported to the Revenge Porn Helpline, making up 34% of all cases. The data reveals that overall, there was a 54% increase in sextortion cases compared to 2022, highlighting a concerning pattern that has been seen since 2021.
The Revenge Porn Helpline has been working to prevent intimate image abuse in the UK since 2015 and has now revealed that during this time, it has removed over 305,000 non-consensually shared intimate images across online platforms and maintained a consistent 90% removal rate in 2023.
As the data reveals, last year was a significant year for the Revenge Porn Helpline, with August being the busiest month the Helpline has seen since 2015. Alongside this, significant advancements were seen in the law, with the passing of the Online Safety Act changing the criteria around intimate image laws.
The amended laws, which came into effect on January 31st 2024, broadened the scope of intimate image offences and removed requirements for the prosecution to prove intent to cause distress when intimate images were shared without consent.
The Revenge Porn Helpline, a service operated by partners SWGfL and delivered by the UK Safer Internet Centre, is the first dedicated helpline in the UK to support adults affected by intimate image abuse.
Any adult affected by intimate image abuse in the UK can get in touch with the Revenge Porn Helpline by calling 0345 6000 459 or emailing help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk. To find out more information about intimate image abuse and the Revenge Porn Helpline, visit revengepornhelpline.org.uk
In addition, adults worldwide can use StopNCII.org to protect their intimate images from being shared across participating platforms. Find out more about the tool here.