Police routinely failing to investigate revenge porn reports is a growing crisis, according to new research that has triggered a super-complaint over how image-based abuse is handled. The study, conducted by lawyers and the Centre for Women’s Justice, found that complaints about non-consensual intimate image sharing are often dismissed or not recognized as criminal offenses.
What Is Image-Based Abuse?
Image-based abuse, previously known as "revenge pornography," involves sharing intimate images without consent. It overwhelmingly affects women and girls, who make up 98.9% of reported images. Despite being described as a national emergency by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, police responses remain inadequate.
Find Bleeding Edge Supplements at Scandalous Prices on iHerb.
Shocking Research Findings
Lawyers gathered evidence from 100 people who reported intimate images being shared online without their consent. The research reveals that image-based abuse is still frequently dismissed or not recognized as criminal offending. Referrals to the Revenge Porn helpline increased by more than 4,000% between 2015 and 2025, yet data from 39 police forces in England and Wales shows that charges were lodged against perpetrators in an average of just 4.5% of cases last year. In some forces, the figure was lower than 1%.
Inappropriate Police Responses
Researchers found that some police officers responded inappropriately when women tried to register complaints. One woman reported that the officer "almost giggled on the phone to me," while another said the officer responded: "Boys will be boys." Another victim was told: "I bet you've learned your lesson." Such attitudes discourage victims from seeking justice and perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming.
Impact on Victims
The failure to investigate revenge porn reports has severe consequences for victims. Many suffer from anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The lack of police action leaves perpetrators unpunished and emboldens others. The super-complaint aims to address systemic failures and improve police handling of these cases.
Comparison of Charge Rates Across Police Forces
| Police Force | Charge Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Force A | 0.8% |
| Force B | 3.2% |
| Force C | 4.5% |
| Force D | 7.1% |
| National Average | 4.5% |
Key Takeaways
- Police charge perpetrators in only 4.5% of revenge porn cases on average.
- Some forces have charge rates below 1%.
- Victims often face inappropriate and dismissive responses from officers.
- Referrals to the Revenge Porn helpline increased by over 4,000% in a decade.
- A super-complaint has been filed to improve police handling of image-based abuse.
FAQ
What is image-based abuse?
Image-based abuse, also known as revenge porn, is the sharing of intimate images without consent. It is a criminal offense in the UK.
Why are police failing to investigate revenge porn reports?
Research suggests that police often dismiss these cases or do not recognize them as criminal offenses. Inappropriate attitudes and lack of training contribute to the problem.
What is a super-complaint?
A super-complaint is a complaint filed by a designated body on behalf of the public, which requires regulators to respond within a set timeframe. It is used to highlight systemic issues.
The failure to investigate revenge porn reports is a national scandal. With charge rates abysmally low and victims facing dismissive attitudes, urgent reform is needed. The super-complaint is a crucial step toward holding police accountable and ensuring justice for survivors.
Browse the Shop
Acacia frida deluxe solid wood bed frame |
Bedroom bench |
Bed chest drawers |
Lingerie dresser |
Frame base |
Mirror with jewelry storage |
30 Bathroom Vanity |
Memory foam queen mattress |
Mattresses for back pain |
Nightstand set of 2 |
Grand Goldman Shop |
Civil Lawyer
Deutschland Trikot WM 2026
