Stalking and revenge porn set to become criminal offences
By Laura Addie | Jan 12 2017
STALKING and revenge porn are to become criminal offences, as approved at the final government cabinet meeting of 2016/ Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has received approval from the cabinet to re-address legislation which will see cyber stalking and revenge porn become criminal offences.The new Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person amendment bill will aim to extend the offences which fall under harassment. Recognizing its increasing presence online due to the misuse of social media.Fitzgerald confronts the danger behind the increasingly popular phenomena of ‘revenge porn’ and its effect on victims. “Revenge pornography and the publication of voyeuristic material can do serious and lasting harm at the touch of a button, and it is important that we act now to ensure our laws can deal effectively with these challenges” said Ms Fitzgerald.Revenge porn is intentionally sharing sexually natured pictures of another person without their permission. One major concern is its popularity amongst teenagers and students, who are already open to self-esteem issues and peer pressure. The psychological effects these actions can leave victims feeling insecure and humiliated.A contributing factor is the dominant role of social media in student’s lives. This can leave Irish students equally likely to take part in or suffer from revenge porn. Communication on social media platforms allows the simple transfer of intimate pictures and in some cases their rapid circulation without consent.With young women in particular at risk, schools and colleges must emphasise the importance of privacy and consent to their students. Students must also take responsibility and be aware of the risks accompanied with exchanging pictures of a private nature.Once revenge porn is made a criminal offence and set to carry penalties of a fine up to €5,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.