Giving revenge porn victims anonymity is long overdue

Responding to reports that the Government is considering granting anonymity to victims of revenge porn in prosecutions as part of a review of image-based sexual abuse laws, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: 

“Revenge porn is a despicable form of abuse. Guaranteeing anonymity for victims is a change that is long overdue.

“The Liberal Democrats led the fight to outlaw revenge porn in 2015, but prosecutions are still far too low.

“That’s why the Liberal Democrats tabled legislation to extend anonymity to victims back in 2016, but the Conservatives and Labour blocked our attempts.

“The Government must bring forward this change without further delay, so that abusers can be brought to justice.”

Hannah Thompson, the Welsh Liberal Democrat who was one of the first women to raise the issue, said:
"Revenge porn is a disturbing and humiliating crime, and one that puts its victims under a great deal of stress. I'm pleased that the Law Commission are examining existing laws to ensure they're up to scratch, and I'm hopeful that automatic anonymity will be granted, easing some of the burden on victims coming forward. However, it is disappointing to see that they will not report back their findings until 2021. Given the pace of technological change, and the number of people affected by this crime - it's highly important that individuals are protected, and supported, as they seek justice."