A Lib Dem MP’s proposal to make ‘Upskirting’ a specific criminal offence, with perpetrators facing up to two years behind bars, under her proposed new law which is backed by Government.
Wera Hobhouse, the Lib Dem MP for Bath, has gained backing from Ministers for demands that the most serious offenders should be placed on the sex offenders register Ms Hobhouse’s Bill will receive its 2nd reading in the House of Commons today (15th June 2018).
‘Upskirting’ typically involves offenders taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks. Currently, this behaviour can be prosecuted under the offence of Outraging Public Decency but victim’s experience of this is not good. Ms Hobhouse has put the matter into Parliament after a year long campaign by Ms Gina martin who was a victim of this abuse where the petpetrator was not prosecuted under present laws.
Wera Hobhouse MP said:
“I got involved in politics to change things that my constituents and I care about. I am incredibly grateful to Gina Martin for starting this campaign, and for giving me the opportunity – in my first year in parliament – to do exactly that.
“The fact that the government have listened to our calls is testament to the widespread consensus that there was a gap in the law that needed to be addressed. By working with Gina and Ministers on the detail of my bill, we have demonstrated when we work together successfully we can make a difference on issues that really matter to people.
“We all made the case for common sense. Now if someone is to fall victim to upskirting, the law will recognise them as the victim, and the police will be able to act immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Gina Martin said:
“The result of all that hard work is that women and girls who needed this law changed are now being heard by those in power. This has been a colossal undertaking for me personally and professionally.”
Justice Minister Lucy Frazer has publicly thanked Wera Hobhouse and Gina Martin the victim of this abuse who started the campaign to get the law changed. Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid has also welcomed the prospect of decisive action to make upskirting a criminal offence since she says this painful and humiliating abuse often has a devastating impact on aspects of victims’ lives.
Lisa Hallgarten, Head of Policy & Public Affairs for campaigners ‘Brook’, says that the new law alone is good but not enough to deal with this problem comprehensively. She says:
“Schools have a critical role in challenging harmful behaviours and practices by dealing with any issues promptly and in line with robust PSHE and safeguarding policies.
“In order to keep children and young people safe from harm we must teach them at the earliest opportunity to respect each others’ privacy, to know their rights, and to understand issues around consent, coercion, and unwanted/unsafe touch.”
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