by iNews
Share
by iNews
Share
Victims of upskirting and downblousing – where someone surreptitiously takes an intimate photo using a mobile phone – now have full legal redress.
Perpetrators could face up to two years in prison and up to 10 years on the Sex Offenders Register.
Changes also include enhanced laws to deal with people who threaten to share private sexual images or impersonate children with the aim of grooming.
The offences are part of the Justice, Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims Act 2022.
Det Supt Lindsay Fisher from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) welcomed the new legislation and said it sends “a clear message” that these behaviours will not be tolerated.
“I want to make it clear that anyone – any gender, any age – can be a victim of these crimes. However, we know from experience that the vast majority of those affected are sadly women and girls, who up until now have not felt able to come forward and report,” she said.
“Escalating violence against women and girls does not happen in a cultural vacuum.
“This legislation will go a long way to help address the prevailing sexist attitudes and behaviours in our society that underpin violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls.”
The bill was brought forward by former justice minister Naomi Long.
Related Posts
By Jonathan Cullen Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced plans for multiple masterclasses and workshop hubs to run during next week’s Derry Jazz Festival. The workshops, by artists Hannes Riepler, Sylvie Noble & Camille Rose, and Riely Stone-Lonergran, will run at venues across the city to celebrate the carnival’s 25th anniversary. The programme
By Ellie Rigby Irish President, Catherine Connolly has led tributes to Donegal singer and musician, Moya Brennan who has died at the age of 73. President Connolly said Ms. Brennan was an “iconic figure in Irish music”. The Donegal singer died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 13 following a short illness. President Connolly
By Jonathan Cullen The upcoming documentary Building A Village received its world premiere at The Playhouse in Derry at an event highlighting the film’s themes of community and connection. The premiere, on the second anniversary celebrations for community group Derry Meet Ups, also marked the group’s rebranding as Clann&Co as the community organisation hopes to
By Ronan O’Donnell. Th Ulster Senior Championship continues this weekend with Derry facing Antrim in the first round proper for 2026. Many people expect Derry to go all the way in the Ulster Championship as they’ve been drawn on the more favourable side of the contest. However, Antrim supporters hope there could be a
