Tackling Revenge Porn

Calls for protection from so-called 'revenge porn' are intensifying.

Legislation has been published in England and Wales which means anyone caught publishing sexually explicit pictures or videos of former partners without consent will be charged.

It's understood the Scottish Government's drawing up plans to introduce a similar law here.

Justice spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has tabled a Parliamentary Motion at Holyrood calling on the Scottish Government to bring forward legislative proposals.

In a letter to the Justice Secretary, Ms McInnes said:

"The House of Lords this week unanimously agreed to amend the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill to make revenge pornography a criminal offence in England and Wales. I am writing to urge the Scottish Government to follow its example and introduce specific legislation to tackle these vile and damaging acts.

"The Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC, has expressed concerns that there is significant under-reporting of this issue. It is important that victims don't suffer in silence and know that they have done nothing wrong. I believe that introducing specific legislation to tackle these despicable and cowardly acts will give victims confidence that such violations of their privacy are unacceptable and illegal.

"In addition to empowering more people to seek justice, creating a specific criminal offence would help overcome any archaic attitudes towards the use of revenge pornography as a cruel tool to distress, embarrass, manipulate or humiliate someone."