NEW figures reveal that more than two in five revenge porn cases reported to Cumbria police are dropped by victims, despite a suspect being identified. 

Nationally, charities have suggested that going through a gruelling justice process, with a guarantee of anonymity and lack of police trust are the among the reasons for a high victim dropout rate. 

The offence of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress – so-called "revenge porn" – came into force in April 2015 and carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment in England and Wales.

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by RADAR reveal that Cumbria Constabulary recorded 243 revenge porn crimes between April 2015 and the end of 2021.

Of those, at least 107 (44 per cent) were closed because the victim did not support further police action despite a suspect being identified.

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A further 11 cases with no clear suspect were also dropped by victims. 

Data from 38 police forces across England and Wales shows at least 35 per cent of crimes have been dropped by victims nationally since 2015 despite a suspect being identified.

In response, a spokesperson from Cumbria Constabulary said: "Revenge porn is a distressing crime for the victim.

"We are committed to protecting vulnerable people and will act against those guilty of such offences.

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"Even the threat to the disclose images carries the same maximum sentence as actually disclosing them.

"By its nature, it is mainly associated with those who are in or have been in intimate relationships, and so can be a form of domestic abuse.

"Our main priority is the victim and taking into account their wishes, in some cases the victim does not wish to progress the case through the court progress due to the further distress this can cause. We work closely with partners to ensure victims have the confidence to report crime and support at every stage of the process.

"If you have been the victim of revenge porn please report it to police we take these offences extremely seriously, support is available throughout the process.

"You can access support services regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police.

"To access support services independently, contact Victim Support 24/7 on 0808 1689 111 - or visit the Cumbria Together website www.cumbriatogether.com," they said. 

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