Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to prevent the distribution of revenge porn; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is creating, in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, a new criminal offence which targets those who disclose private sexual photographs and films without the consent of the person depicted and with intent to cause that person distress.

The provisions to create the new offence were tabled as a Government Amendment at Lords Report stage of the Bill on 20 October and were warmly received and supported across the House.

The offence will cover the disclosure of private and sexual photographs or films of individuals who have not consented to this disclosure, such as those of them engaged in sexual activity, depicted in a sexual way, or with their genitals exposed, where what is shown would not usually be seen in public. It will apply to disclosures taking place online and offline. The offence will attract a two-year maximum prison sentence.