Rise in revenge porn in Scotland is just ‘tip of the iceberg’, warn campaigners

CAMPAIGNERS last night warned a rise in revenge porn is “just the tip of the iceberg”.

Cases of intimate pic leaks or threats surged from 246 in 2017 to 820 last year.

The shocking figures sparked calls for more help for victims — after almost 5,000 reports to Scots cops since laws criminalising sharing private images without consent were introduced.

Reality TV star Leanne Davidson, 28, of Turriff, Aberdeenshire, who was left in tears when intimate pictures were posted online, said: “Police could be doing more. It’s really horrible. You don’t expect someone you trusted to do that to you.”

Scottish Women’s Aid hailed the figures as evidence victims are gaining “more confidence” to come forward.

But the charity warned that many still feel unable to seek help while enduring domestic abuse — and most endure long-term anxiety or are vulnerable to self-harm and suicide.

Chief exec Dr Marsha Scott warned: “The numbers we have are a tiny tip of a massive iceberg.” 

Revenge porn thugs face up to five years in jail under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act, made into law in 2017.

Last night Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Lesley Anne Docherty said: “Victims of revenge porn should not be embarrassed or scared to report it.

“There is support available.”