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People found guilty of repeatedly uploading revenge porn will face the toughest punishments when new sentencing guidelines come into force.
It is the first time the Sentencing Council for England and Wales has given instructions to courts on dealing with those who humiliate others by uploading private sexual images and videos.
They also include guidelines for stalking and harassment cases.
The offence of disclosing private sexual images without consent - known as "revenge porn" - was introduced in 2015 and carries a maximum sentence of two years.
In 2016/17, there were 465 prosecutions for the offence in England and Wales.
What The Guidelines Suggest:
- Offenders who repeatedly post explicit material after it has already been taken offline should receive the harshest sentences, there is a trend of some offenders doing this.
- Those who set up fake social media accounts to embarrass their targets will also face stronger punishments, as they show "significant planning" has gone into the offence, says the council.
Also covered are a range of "intimidatory" offences, including stalking and harassment.
In these cases, tougher sentences are recommended by the council if there are aggravating factors, such as:
- abusing a position of trust
- sending grossly violent material to the victim
- impacting others, such as children.
Coercive Control
The guidelines also take into account the crime of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship - which can see offenders facing up to five years in jail.
This was introduced as an offence in December 2015 to tackle repeated domestic abuse, such as controlling victims over social media, spying on them online, stopping them from socialising or stopping their access to money.
The guidelines say that behaviour that results in debt or homelessness will be a possible aggravating factor, meaning a stronger sentence.
The guidelines will come into force on 1st October 2018.
Help & Support
- Those affected by domestic abuse, including coercive or controlling behaviour, should contact Refuge’s Domestic Violence Service Warwickshire Helpline on 0800 408 1552 (Monday - Friday 8:30am-8:30pm; Saturday 10am-4pm) to speak to one of their support workers.
- In an emergency dial 999.
- Those who have fallen victim to revenge porn can contact The Revenge Porn Helpline for free, confidential advice and support. More advice for victims of revenge porn can be found in our article.
- Victims of stalking and harassment can contact The National Stalking Helpline, and read our advice article here.
- Support and advice for anyone affected by crime can contact Warwickshire Victim Support on 01926 682 693 (Monday - Friday 8am-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm)
