What is upskirting?
Upskirting is a highly intrusive practice, which typically involves someone taking a picture under another person's clothing without their knowledge, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks (with or without underwear).
It can take place in a range of places, eg British Transport Police have seen a rise of reports on public transport.
The new law will capture instances where the purpose of the behaviour is to obtain sexual gratification, or to cause humiliation, distress or alarm.
Anyone, and any gender, can be a victim and this behaviour is completely unacceptable.
What effect can upskirting have on victims?
Upskirting is distressing and a humiliating violation of privacy for victims.
We want victims to know and be confident that reports to the police will be taken seriously.
What punishment can upskirting perpetrators face under the new law?
Perpetrators will face two years in prison. By criminalising this distressing practice, it is hoped that it deters people from committing the crime.
Upskirting, where committed to obtain sexual gratification, can result in the most serious offenders being placed on the sex offenders register.
The new law will send a clear message that such behaviour is criminal and will not be tolerated.
What can victims of upskirting do?
If you're a victim of upskirting, the police and other organisations are there to help you.
Please don't suffer in silence, seek support. You may want to speak to someone you already know and trust, or
