Evidence
- Intimate photos
- Mark's phone (seized for duration of investigation)
- Witness statement from Mark's friend
- Statement from Karen
- Interview with Mark
Victim: Karen
Perpetrator: Mark
Sharing Intimate Images without Consent.
Background - On September 23, Mark (22) shared intimate images of his girlfriend Karen (18) with his pals in a Whatsapp group chat.
The couple had been exchanging intimate images over Whatsapp for some time before the incident. Karen had since left home to start university in a city four hours away so it had been a way for the couple to keep in touch.
Karen was unaware of Mark sharing these intimate images until a friend of Mark’s contacted her.
EVIDENCE
"I’m totally devastated… I never thought Mark would share those pictures. The whole thing has really embarrassed me and affected my confidence and I’ve had to go to the Doctors about my anxiety attacks."
Karen - Victim Statement
Photographs taken from the perpetrator's phone
"Mark is a mate but sending dirty pictures of Karen was one step too far. It's totally disrespectful to Karen. I know her family and she'd be devastated if they saw her private stuff. There’s about ten of us in that Whatsapp group so you never know what might happen to those pics. I had to tell Karen straight away."
Fraser - Witness Statement
Mark's phone (seized for duration of investigation)
"Patient claimed suffering from situational anxiety due to intimate images being shared by her boyfriend without her permission.
Symptoms include inability to sleep, lack of appetite, nausea and low mood.
Recommended relaxation techniques and revisit in two weeks to assess."
Doctor Statement
VERDICT
Mark was sentenced after being found guilty of causing Karen distress by sharing intimate content without Karen’s consent.
Chalk drawings taken at the court case: Karen, her lawyer and parents
Chalk drawings taken at the court case: Mark, police officer, judge
"Reporting Mark was difficult but it was the right thing to do. He completely violated my trust by sharing those pictures. I’d urge anyone to come forward who has been a victim of this type of crime."
Statement from Karen
Support
As soon as Karen reported the crime, Police Scotland gave her information about support organisations that later helped to rebuild her confidence and get her back on her feet.
If you have been a victim of this type of crime, remember that it’s not your fault so don’t hesitate in coming forward to the police or a support organisation.
