Upskirting refers to the act of taking a photograph (also known as a “creepshot”*) under a person’s clothing without their permission with intention of obtaining sexual gratification, or to cause humiliation, distress or alarm.
Being a victim of such an indecent act may make you feel incredibly uncomfortable and vulnerable, particularly if you are alone.
If the person or persons responsible are exhibiting intimidating behaviours, then you may feel unable to confront them for fear of further discomfort and/or of being threatened.
The knowledge that someone has taken potentially graphic images without consent can cause emotional distress for a long time after the event itself.
Upskirting is an alarmingly common occurrence and is usually performed in a public place, which is often crowded, which makes it hard to spot people taking such images. It is a form of image-based sexual abuse.
Anyone, and any gender, can be a victim and this behaviour is completely unacceptable.
Perpetrators will face two years in prison. Upskirting, where committed to obtain sexual gratification, can result in the most serious offenders being placed on the sex offenders’ register.
The campaign to make “Upskirting” a criminal offence was publicised by Gina Martin, who was a victim of Upskirting at a music festival in 2017.
Gina discovered that Upskirting was not classified as a sexual offence and set out to change the law.
Figures from the Crown Prosecution Service show that 16 men were convicted of 48 offences in the 12 months following the law change in England & Wales.
Most of the offences (33) took place in supermarkets and shops, with nine on public transport, five in the street and one in a school.
If you have been personally affected by upskirting and need support, then please contact us.
Here at Safeline, we provide specialist services to support people affected by sexual abuse including:
