The review of the laws around image-based abuse is being conducted by the independent body, the Law Commission, as directed by the government. On Monday, No Flashing Matter interviewed Dr Nicholas Hoggard, who will be heading up the project from the New Year, at the offices of the Ministry of Justice in Westminster to get some answers to the points raised by Sophie Gallagher and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Nick first pointed out that the work the Law Commission is undertaking around this is two-fold, and where Cyber Flashing falls within the projects being undertaken:
As it stands, there is not a single law that can be used to prosecute Cyber Flashing, despite the action being illegal under Scottish law since 2010. So what can used in its place?
From interviews I've conducted over the course of the last couple of months, it's become increasingly clear that targets of cyber flashing and academic experts are keen for redress to go beyond simply reforming the law, to treat the root cause instead of just the symptoms.
Suggestions include reforming current sex education and promoting media literacy for young people, anonymity for targets and looking at rehabilitation for those who partake in image-based sexual abuse, in whatever form.
I put this to Dr Hoggard:
There will be more from Nick when No Flashing Matter, the radio documentary, drops soon.
Comments