Upskirting
WHAT IS UPSKIRTING?
Upskirting is when an individual takes photos or a video up someone’s skirt without their permission. The term also applies to taking photos and videos underneath other items of clothing. The aim is to take a photo or video of a person’s genitals or buttocks.
Upskirting is a kind of voyeurism. It is also intrusive. It is a violation of someone’s privacy.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR UPSKIRTING:KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT UPSKIRTING?
Upskirting is a criminal offence and illegal under section 33 – 35 of the criminal justice and courts act 2015, under the voyeurism act 2019 and under section 67A of the sexual offences act 2003.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR SECTION 33-35 OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND COURTS ACT 2015
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR THE VOYEURISM ACT 2019
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR SECTION 67A OF THE SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT 2003
WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR UPSKIRTING?
An individual convicted of upskirting can be sentenced to 2 years in jail.
WHO CAN YOU REPORT UPSKIRTING TO?
You can call the police
You can dial 999 if you or your child is at immediate risk or a crime has been committed. Alternatively if there is no emergency you can dial 101 or file a report online.
LINK TO POLICE WEBSITE TO REPORT A CRIME ONLINE
You can contact Crimestoppers – You can report a crime anonymously to crimestoppers. Their telephone number is 0800 555 111.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CRIMESTOPPERS.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has suffered upskirting you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child is a victim of upskirting.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact VICTIM SUPPORT – Victim support is a charity that can help individuals who have been the victim of a crime. They have a free confidential support telephone line and live chat. They are independent of the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR VICTIM SUPPORT – CONTACT US
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE TO CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
You can read our help guide for where you can reach out to get help if your child is a victim –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR WHERE CAN YOU REACH OUT TO GET HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has suffered upskirting and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.