Sophie Mortimer, Revenge Porn Helpline Manager, has recently written an opinion piece for The Independent, sharing her experiences and insights after working with people affected by intimate image abuse, whilst emphasising the need for reform in the current legal frameworks.
Intimate Image Abuse
As technology has transformed, Mortimer discusses how the way we communicate with each other has changed too, fuelling a rise in intimate image abuse. At the Revenge Porn Helpline, she highlights that almost 19,000 reports were received in 2023, a 106% increase from the previous year.
Since the launch of the Helpline in 2015, the team have seen first-hand the impact that intimate image abuse can have on those affected. Within the article, Mortimer explains the types of cases the Revenge Porn Helpline team have supported with, and how intimate image abuse has changed over time.
Aaliyah’s* Story
Recalling the impact that the Revenge Porn Helpline has had on individuals, Mortimer shares the experience of Aaliyah*, a young woman who reached out for help after realising that her intimate images had been shared across adult websites by an ex-partner. After finding her images across the internet, she contacted the Revenge Porn Helpline, who has successfully removed over 3,100 intimate images of Aaliyah across adult websites.
The Revenge Porn Helpline continues to support thousands of adults across the UK like Aaliyah*, and has removed over 300,000 non-consensually shared intimate images so far, demonstrating the extent of intimate image abuse and the need for further action to be taken.
*Name changed to protect anonymity
The Remaining 10%
Although the Revenge Porn Helpline has a 90% successful removal rate, the team works tirelessly to remove the remaining 10%. However, as Mortimer states, the 10% of non-consensually shared intimate content can’t be removed due to the current legal framework and non-compliant websites.
As part of SWGfL, the Revenge Porn Helpline continues to campaign for legislative change to protect those affected by intimate image abuse and ensure their intimate images are no longer able to be viewed online – including by working towards ensuring that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can block the content that can’t be removed.
Read the full article from The Independent
Get In Touch
If you have been affected by intimate image abuse and are an adult over the age of 18 living in the UK, you can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 6000 459 or email help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk, or find out more information on our website.
StopNCII.org can also be used around the world to help protect adult’s intimate images from being shared across participating platforms. Find out more at StopNCII.org.
