A coalition of image-based abuse survivors and campaigners have penned an open letter to the government, calling for the introduction of a comprehensive Image-Based Abuse Law, in line with GLAMOUR’s campaign with Not Your Porn, End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAW), and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Last week, the government announced a “crackdown on intimate image abuse”, which was supported by journalist, campaigner, and image-based abuse survivor Georgia Harrison. However, the proposals have been described as “disappointing” by 20+ image-based abuse survivors and allies.
In a press release, the government announced that sharing images without consent will be made a “priority offence” under the Online Safety Act, meaning social media companies will have to “proactively remove and stop this material appearing on their platforms.” But some activists – including the GLAMOUR Talks… Consent campaign – say the proposals don’t go far enough.
The open letter addressed to the Right Honourable Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, published on Not Your Porn, tentatively welcomes the government’s commitment to addressing image-based abuse. However, it describes the new proposals as nothing more than an “administrative change”.
The letter further highlights that Ofcom – the government body that regulates online services –already had the authority to regulate online platforms under the Online Safety Act. What would have been helpful, survivors say, is “an outline of how exactly Ofcom plans to utilise” these powers.
It continues: “The continued delay in addressing these issues demonstrates a lack of understanding of their urgency in spite of this government’s evident awareness of the very real consequences survivors of image based abuse face every day.”
The letter highlights the need to introduce a comprehensive Image Based Sexual Abuse Act, as campaigned for by GLAMOUR, Not Your Porn, EVAW, and Professor Clare McGlynn, which consists of the following five key asks:
- Strengthen criminal laws about creating, taking and sharing intimate images without consent (including sexually explicit deepfakes).
- Improve civil laws for survivors to take action against perpetrators and tech companies.
- Prevent image-based abuse through comprehensive relationships, sex and health education.
- Fund specialist services that provide support to victims and survivors of image-based abuse.
- Create an Online Abuse Commission to hold tech companies accountable for image-based abuse.
It also highlights the government’s failure to acknowledge the “Not Yours to View” campaign, in partnership with The Revenge Porn Helpline and the Women and Equalities Committee, which calls for legislation to be “passed with critical urgency concerning the blocking of websites and platforms that do not comply with take down requests for image based abuse material.”
Preventative measures, such as guardianship watermarking and enhanced education on consent, are also not addressed in the Online Safety Act, according to survivors and campaigners.
The letter continues: “What about aftercare for victims and survivors? Even in cases where the perpetrator is convicted, survivors still face significant barriers to receiving adequate mental health support, with no recourse for seeking monetary compensation to fund private treatment for PTSD and other related mental health disorders.”
You can read the letter in full here.
Find out more about GLAMOUR’s campaign in partnership with the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), Not Your Porn and Professor Clare McGlynn, demanding that the government introduces a dedicated, comprehensive Image-Based Abuse law to protect women and girls.
Revenge Porn Helpline provides advice, guidance and support to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who live in the UK. You can call them on 0345 6000 459.
For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.