11 Mar
Question
Intimate Image Abuse

The parliamentary question session concerning intimate image abuse, held in the House of Commons, centered on significant legislative measures targeting online safety and the protection of victims of online and offline abuse. Joe Morris (Labour, Hexham) inquired about governmental steps to address intimate image abuse. In response, a comprehensive overview of current legislative efforts was provided, highlighting the introduction of offenses in the Crime and Policing Bill related to the non-consensual taking and recording of intimate images, along with defenses against deepfake images in the Data (Use and Access) Bill. These measures were framed as part of a broad package aimed at mitigating degrading and abusive behaviors. Further discussion underscored the need for equipping law enforcement with advanced technical tools to effectively address these offenses.

Outcome

The session reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing legal frameworks and resources dedicated to tackling intimate image abuse. The Minister's willingness to engage in dialogue with stakeholders, including meeting with Joe Morris, suggests an openness to consider and potentially implement further measures aimed at bolstering victim protection and law enforcement capabilities.

Key Contributions

Joe MorrisHon. Member
Labour

Raised a question about steps taken to combat intimate image abuse, highlighting a crucial concern for victim safety both online and offline.

Alex Davies-JonesReplying Minister
Unspecified

Confirmed the establishment of a national center for violence against women and girls with a £2 million funding to enhance protections, including online safety.

Original Transcript
Joe Morris
Hexham
Lab
Question
UIN: 903122

15. What steps her Department is taking to help tackle intimate image abuse.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Alex Davies-Jones

We are determined to keep victims safe both offline and online.

In the Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced offences to tackle the taking or recording of intimate images without consent, and in the Data (Use and Access) Bill we are criminalising creating or asking someone to create deepfake intimate images without consent.

Together with existing offences on sharing intimate images, those measures give law enforcement a comprehensive package to tackle all aspects of that degrading and abusive behaviour.

Joe Morris

I pay tribute to the Minister for the work being done. Although that work is welcome, we need to direct our attention towards ensuring that police have the necessary technical tools to investigate reports.

Will she meet me to discuss what further action can be taken to address and prevent intimate image abuse in all our communities?

Alex Davies-Jones

I will happily meet my hon.

Friend, but let me reassure him: we are launching within policing our national centre for violence against women and girls and public protection—that includes a £2 million funding settlement to target violence against women and girls better, including online—and in November, we launched our domestic abuse protection orders in selected areas to improve protection for victims of all kinds of domestic abuse, including online.

The police are also able to use stalking protection orders to protect victims of online abuse.

All content derived from official parliamentary records