Criminalising cyberflashing: Options for law reform

McGlynn, C. and Johnson, K. (2021) Criminalising cyberflashing: Options for law reform. Journal of Criminal Law, 85(3), pp. 171-188. (doi: 10.1177/0022018320972306)

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Abstract

In this article, we examine the phenomenon of cyberflashing, outlining its prevalence, harms, and victim-survivors' experiences. We then consider the extent to which English criminal law currently applies to this form of sexual abuse. We argue that although cyberflashing can be prosecuted in England and Wales, this is only in very limited circumstances; the existing law is confusing, piecemeal, has significant omissions, and consequently prosecutions are extremely unlikely. As such, the current criminal law in England and Wales is failing victim-survivors of cyberflashing. Due to its prevalence, its harmful impacts and similarities with other criminalised forms of sexual violence, comprehensive law reform, which appropriately addresses cyberflashing as a sexual offence, is now critical. Accordingly, we examine legislation in other jurisdictions where criminal laws targeting cyberflashing have been adopted, and provide recommendations for law reform: specifically, we recommend the development of a new criminal offence that purposely targets cyberflashing in all its forms.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Johnson, Dr Kelly
Authors: McGlynn, C., and Johnson, K.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Criminal Law
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:0022-0183
ISSN (Online):1740-5580
Published Online:15 November 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © The Author(s) 2020
First Published:First published in Journal of Criminal Law 85(3): 171-188
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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