Sentencing guidelines have been expanded to address the psychological harm caused to victims of revenge porn and coercive behaviour.

The Sentencing Council today published definitive guidelines covering, for the first time, stalking, disclosing private sexual images (commonly known as 'revenge porn'), and controlling and coercive behaviour. The offences of 'revenge porn' and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship were introduced in 2015. The guideline also covers other intimidatory offences such as harrassment and threats to kill.

Judge Rosa Dean

Judge Rosa Dean

The council said its guidance identifies factors that can make such offences particularly serious. This includes setting up fake social media profiles to post images, and inviting people to comment and contact the victim. Following a public consultation, an additional factor has been included that would show high culpability on the part of the offender for reposting images online after they are taken down from websites.

The council says coercice and controlling behaviour can be characterised by an abuser preventing their victim from having friendships, denying them access to money, and controlling aspects of their everyday life such as what to wear, what they can eat and where they can go. Following consultation, the council has decided that leaving the victim in debt, destitute or homeless due to their finances being exploited will be considered an aggravating factor.

Sending grossly violent or offensive material to someone being stalked, and the impact this has on others, such as children, will also be considered an aggravating factor.

Sentencing Council member judge Rosa Dean said: 'Our guidelines recognise and reflect the very intimate, personal and intrusive nature of these offences, which can have devastating, often long-term impacts on victims and their families. They will provide courts with comprehensive guidance that will help ensure sentences reflect the seriousness of these offences.'