Shropshire Star

Drop in 'revenge porn' reports in region

The number of 'revenge porn' cases has dropped in the region, according to the most recent official statistics.

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The most recent full year of figures showed a drop in revenge porn reports

Police have urged victims of the crime, where people share private sexual photos or videos of others without their consent, to report the offences, and have said they will support all victims who come forward.

They have also talked of the distressing impact of the offence on victims.

The figures, which cover 2015/16 to 2018/19, show there were a total of 289 incidents reported to police, and that 32 people faced charges or summons in that time.

There were four charges or summons in 2018/19, the most recent full year for figures, for the crime.

The number of cases reported to West Mercia had risen from 36 in 2015/16 to 89 the following year, and then 93 in 2017/18. It fell to 71 in 2018/19.

West Mercia Police Superintendent Mo Lansdale said the offence could have a very serious impact on victims.

She said that all reports are taken seriously, and urged any victims to contact police.

"Revenge porn is a term used to describe the public sharing of private sexual photographs or videos of another person without their consent, with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress," she said.

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"It can have a very distressing impact on victims and we take all incidents reported to us extremely seriously.

"We would urge anyone who has been a victim to report it to the police. Rest assured that we will investigate crimes of this nature and will also provide victims with the appropriate support."

In total 11 people were cautioned for the offence from 2015/16 to 2018/19, with community resolutions also used in three cases.

A number of cases were unable to proceed with police being unable to identify a suspect in 45 instances.

Other difficulties with evidence, or the victim no longer supporting a prosecution led to further action being prevented in 122 cases.

In cases where a suspect was identified and the victim supported action, difficulties with evidence prevented the case proceeding on 38 occasions.

One aspect cited as a reason for victims being reluctant to report cases has been the fact the crime has been dealt with under communications offences rather than sexual offences, meaning victims are not automatically granted anonymity.

Earlier this year the government announced it would be looking at reviewing the law to give more protection to victims.

Superintendent Lansdale also advised people concerned about revenge porn to look for online support at getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/revenge-porn

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