Responding to “Making a Safer World – the Problem of Regulating On-line Pornography”, Ellie Butt, Head of Coverage and Public Affairs at Refuge, mentioned:
“At a time when violence in opposition to ladies and women (VAWG) is at epidemic ranges, it’s actually surprising that misogynistic and violent pornographic content material continues to be available on the click on of a button. Refuge welcomes in the present day’s overview of the harms of on-line pornography by Baroness Bertin, which makes 32 suggestions to mitigate this extremely damaging content material, together with making non-fatal strangulation or ‘choking’ porn unlawful. Nevertheless, till the Authorities acts on these suggestions, ladies and women will proceed to expertise the devastating repercussions of unregulated on-line porn.
“We should not overlook – the behaviours depicted in violent pornography will not be confined to the net area. Misogynistic content material has actual penalties for the security of ladies and women, and is a disturbing reflection of the experiences of many home abuse survivors. At Refuge, our frontline workers routinely hear from ladies who’ve skilled non-fatal strangulation by their associate or ex-partner. This despicable type of abuse leaves ladies in worry for his or her security and is a powerful predictor of future home murder. Pornography that includes strangulation ought to be recognised for what it’s – a degrading show of violence in opposition to ladies with an plain hyperlink to home abuse.
“Refuge has lengthy been campaigning for tighter laws round intimate picture abuse, and we assist Baroness Bertin’s advice to criminalise the taking or creation of all non-consensual intimate photographs, whether or not actual or deepfake. Survivors of this horrific sort of abuse are sometimes left feeling socially remoted, with long-term destructive penalties for his or her psychological well being and wellbeing. The Authorities, together with all tech platforms, should act on this advice as a matter of urgency.
“Our society can’t proceed to normalise violent and abusive pornography. If the Authorities is to fulfil its promise to halve VAWG throughout the decade, it should handle in the present day’s overview and make actual, tangible modifications to maintain ladies and women protected.”
