Scottish Women’s Aid has recently launched its campaign against revenge porn, the first of its kind in the UK. As such, we have been featured in the Sunday Times, Grazia, Woman’s Hour and others talking about revenge porn across the UK.
Revenge porn is when a partner or ex-partner purposefully distributes images or videos of a sexual nature without the other person’s consent. The threat or the distribution of such material can be used as a tactic of domestic abuse, continuing controlling behaviour that characterises such abuse.
Taking a lead from Holly Jacobs, from End Revenge Porn in America, the campaign aims to provide a space for women to share their experiences, and to challenge the victim blaming that prevents many women from coming forward.
We’re looking for folk to send us their messages of support, to let women know that they are not to blame, it is not their fault and there are people who can help.
Emma, a victim of revenge porn explained “I had never done anything like this before, but I trusted him and thought it might be fun. We made the video, and then watched a film and went to bed. I never thought much about what would happen to it if we split up. ..As time went on he started criticizing me, but I was still pretty smitten. He used to come to my house and make remarks about how I did things. He was a little bit obsessive…eventually I ended it”. Almost a year later, she was alerted to a video online. Speaking of the impact she said “I still feel depressed, dirty and have self-harmed a few times. I do feel I am doing much better and now I just want to be there for other victims, and raise awareness in the UK”
- For examples of messages check out our flickr page
- Check out our mini-site
If you would like to get involved, contact Ellie on ellie.hutchinson@scottishwomensaid.org.uk.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.