The situation
Real talk: if you report image-based abuse—what used to be called "revenge porn"—to the police, the odds of them actually charging the person responsible are painfully low. New research shows that across England and Wales, police forces averaged a charge rate of just 4.5% last year. In some areas, that number dropped below 1%. It’s giving systemic failure, and lawyers are officially over it.
How we got here
Between 2015 and 2025, referrals to the Revenge Porn Helpline skyrocketed by over 4,000%. Even though it's been labeled a "national emergency" in the past, the policing response hasn't leveled up to match. Lawyers from Leigh Day and the Centre for Women’s Justice, working with #NotYourPorn, have now filed a "super-complaint"—a special mechanism designed to flag issues that harm the public on a large scale. They’re arguing that the current response is fragmented and basically toothless.
The vibes are off
It’s not just the low charge rates; it’s the way survivors are treated when they try to report these crimes. The research highlights stories of officers being dismissive, with some allegedly giggling on the phone or dropping "boys will be boys" comments. Many survivors also said they were left to do the detective work themselves, tasked with collating evidence and navigating internet removal processes while already dealing with the trauma. With 98.9% of victims being women and girls, and AI making deepfake abuse easier to create, the situation is only getting more complex.
Why it matters
When the system doesn't take these crimes seriously, it leaves survivors feeling powerless and unsupported. The College of Policing and the Independent Office for Police Conduct will now decide whether to launch a full-blown investigation into these practices. Without a massive overhaul of training and a clear national strategy, experts say victims will continue to be let down by the very people meant to protect them.
