Victims of intimate image abuse are expressing frustration over a lack of justice as the number of cases continues to rise while perpetrators avoid facing consequences.
Recent data indicates a significant 26.9% increase in reported instances of abuse between July 2021 and June 2025, jumping from 4,058 cases to 5,151. In the previous year alone, nearly 15 offenses were reported daily. However, findings from the charity Refuge, obtained through Freedom of Information legislation, show a decline in the percentage of cases resulting in charges or summons, dropping from 5.8% in 2021/22 to 4.5% in 2024/25.
Despite law enforcement being aware of the suspects’ identities, only 4.8% (1,047) of the 21,905 reported offenses over the five-year period led to charges or summons. Shockingly, 56% (12,265) of cases saw no charges filed, with 25% (5,417) failing to progress due to evidential challenges.
On the fifth anniversary of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Sharon Gaffka, a Refuge ambassador and former Love Island contestant, emphasized the severe impact of intimate image abuse on survivors. Gaffka urged authorities to take action, citing the concerning lack of accountability for perpetrators despite the escalating number of reports.
Refuge’s Emma Pickering echoed these sentiments, highlighting the ongoing failures in supporting survivors of intimate image abuse. She stressed the urgent need for improved police responses to address this distressing crime effectively.
Notable cases, such as reality TV star Georgia Harrison’s ordeal with her ex-boyfriend Stephen Bear, have shed light on the issue. Bear, who uploaded a sex tape of Harrison to OnlyFans without her consent, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay back the profits from the video.
Following advocacy efforts by survivors like Harrison, legislation now criminalizes non-consensual sharing of intimate images irrespective of the intent to cause distress. However, challenges persist in ensuring justice for victims of this form of abuse.
Government officials have pledged swift action to combat this growing problem, including mandatory removal of non-consensual intimate images by tech companies within 48 hours of being flagged. Initiatives like the Policing AI Threat Hub have also been established to address the misuse of artificial intelligence for criminal activities.
The Domestic Abuse Act, enacted on April 29, 2021, marked a significant step forward in protecting individuals from threats related to intimate images. Authorities are working towards enhancing responses to intimate image abuse and holding perpetrators accountable to provide a safer environment for survivors.