Revenge porn laws come into effect

Legislation combating unauthorised sharing of intimate images comes into force today.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act 2016 gives police and prosecutors “robust powers” to deal with the problem.

The act was passed unanimously by MSPs last March and makes it an offence to “disclose, or threaten to disclose, an intimate photograph or film” without consent.

A public awareness campaign has been launched to coincide with the legislation coming into force that makes clear the consequences of sharing photos or videos of current or former partners without their permission.

Mr Matheson said: “Social media is great for people keeping in contact but it is also being used in an abusive way by some individuals, particularly around the disclosure of intimate images, or even threatening to disclose intimate images. The legislation that comes into force as of today will make it an offence to actually do so.

“Our police and prosecutors will investigate the issues very thoroughly and, where there is the evidence to do so, they will seek to secure a prosecution through our courts.

“If someone is convicted of this type of offence they could spend up to five years in jail.”

Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “So-called revenge porn is not about revenge, and it’s not about porn. It’s about power, control and humiliation.

“Sharing, or threatening to share intimate pictures or videos of someone without their consent causes devastating harm to victims and it is absolutely right that the law should reflect this.

“Our research on this showed that most victims of this crime suffered long term anxiety, and some mentioned feelings of self-harm and suicide because their intimate images were shared without their consent.

“The fear and anxiety it creates can creep into every corner of a victim’s life and relationships. It’s absolutely unacceptable and it is never the victim’s fault.”