Upskirting likely to become criminal offense in UK

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While Scotland has had its own law on upskirting for almost a decade, there is no specific legislation against the intrusive act in England and Wales, according to the UK’s Press Association.

Victims can seek convictions for public disorder or indecency but are not always successful, and campaigners have long been calling for a specific law that recognizes the behavior as a sexual offense, PA reported.

Under the new legislation, which will have its second reading in the House of Commons Friday, perpetrators would face up to two years in jail and the most serious offenders would be named on the sex offenders register, PA said.

There are a number of hurdles remaining before the bill is signed into law, but with the government’s backing, the chances of success are high.

“This behaviour is a hideous invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed,” said Justice Minister Lucy Frazer in the statement announcing the government’s backing.

“By making ‘upskirting’ a specific offence, we are sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, and that perpetrators will be properly punished.”

Campaigners responded to the news with cautious optimism.

Katie Ghose, chief executive of charity Women’s Aid, told PA: “We welcome the Government taking decisive action to make upskirting a criminal offence. This form of abuse is painful and humiliating for victims and often has a devastating impact on all aspects of their lives.”

“We hope that this new criminal offence will be another step forward in challenging the prevailing sexist attitudes and behaviours in our society that underpin violence against women and girls.”



Source : Nbcnewyork