The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the act of ‘upskirting’ is now illegal.
It is hoped that this announcement will act to deter would-be ‘
The Ministry of Justice has today confirmed the following:
What is upskirting?
Upskirting is a highly intrusive practice, which typically involves someone taking a picture under another person’s clothing without their knowledge, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks (with or without underwear).
It can take place in a range of places, eg British Transport Police have seen a rise of reports on public transport.
The new law will capture instances where the purpose of the behaviour is to obtain sexual gratification, or to cause humiliation, distress or alarm.
Anyone, and any
What effect can upskirting have on victims?
Upskirting is distressing and a humiliating violation of privacy for victims.
We want victims to know and be confident that reports to the police will be taken seriously.
What punishment can upskirting perpetrators face under the new law?
If you’re a victim of upskirting, the police and other organisations are there to help you.
Please don’t suffer in silence, seek support. You may want to speak to someone you already know and trust, or get in touch with a charity.
It’s important to know your rights after a crime has taken place, the police will be able to talk you through this.
Victims of upskirting will be entitled to automatic protection, eg from being identified in the media (so they won’t be able to publish any identifying details such as names, addresses or photos).
Why is the law changing?
Upskirting has not gone unpunished in England and Wales – depending on the circumstances it is already prosecuted under the common law offence of outraging public decency.
However, following concerns expressed by victims, a review of the law found that the existing criminal law may not have been able to capture all instances.
The Voyeurism (Offences) (No. 2) Bill, which is commonly known as the Upskirting Bill, was introduced on 21st June 2018. It will receive Royal Assent soon.
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