Sarah Champion MP reacts to potential closure of revenge porn helpline

Sarah Champion MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, has implored to government to tackle the crisis of revenge pornography after it was revealed that cuts have been made to the funding of the national helpline for victims.

Speaking in Parliament, Sarah told the government that by cutting the funding and putting the helpline at risk, they have demonstrated a clear lack of commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

The Minister for Women and Equalities, Justine Greening, failed to reassure Sarah that funding to the helpline would continue.

The helpline was set up in February 2015 and has received over 2500 calls in the past year.

Sarah said: nce again, the Tories are all talk but no action when protecting women and girls from violence.

The revenge porn helpline is an invaluable resource for victims who are desperate to receive advice on how to have indecent images removed from the internet and how to pursue a prosecution if they so choose.

Coming forward as a survivor of revenge porn takes such bravery and we need to send the message that those victims will be supported in every way possible.

Labour is urging the Government to maintain this vital, value-for-money service. Ministers must now clarify and publish their continued funding arrangements for the helpline.

The government previously promised to ensure victims of revenge pornography have access to bespoke support and advice about their right to have the images removed from website.

Sarah asked the Minister in Women and Equalities Questions: Girlguiding's survey found that 20 per cent of 13 to 21 year olds have had unwanted pornographic imagery sent to them and five per cent have had an indecent or sexual image shared without their consent.

If the government really does want to support Girlguiding's campaign why is her department cutting the funding to the revenge porn helpline, which has supported over 2500 calls last year? What message does that send about the government's commitment to ending violence against women and girls?

In reply, Justine Greening, the Minister for Women and Equalities, said "We haven't made any announcements yet."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For statistics in relation to the revenge porn helpline please see the Evaluation Report http://www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

Alexander Guest