Revenge porn victim aged just 11 in South Yorkshire

Over the last two years, 243 reports of revenge porn have been recorded by South Yorkshire Police, with 155 incidents last year compared to 88 in 2016.

CRIME: Knife found hidden outside Sheffield cinemaAccording to the figures, disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act, there were 25 victims under the age of 18 - one aged 11, one aged 12, two aged 15, nine aged 16 and 12 aged 17.

COURT: Man charged over crossbow attack in SheffieldThe oldest victim whose age was recorded by the force was 75 years old.

There were 10 victims over the age of 50 and another 44 aged between 30 and 49.

Most were aged between 18 and 29 years old, with 157 victims recorded in that age bracket.

The ages of seven victims were not recorded.

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In all but one case, victims told South Yorkshire Police that private photographs and films of a sexual nature had been disclosed to others with intent to cause distress.

One victim reported an attempt to disclose such material.

The occupations of some of the victims were disclosed by South Yorkshire Police, with a bank manager, barber, barmaid, six care assistants, a pharmacist and two prostitutes among those who reported offences against them.

Detective Inspector Mark Monteiro, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "These kinds of offences are taken extremely seriously and we will always review evidence put to us, taking in to account the needs of the victim and their desire to pursue a case; their views are absolutely paramount to us."Please be reassured that if you have experienced this, our officers are here to support you, listen to you and progress any offending in the most confidential manner, ensuring that victims are kept updated as an investigation progresses."

He added: "The offence is punishable with a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. Outcomes may also include issuing warnings to perpetrators, cautions or charging decisions supported by the CPS. Each case must be judged individually and will be focused on reducing the fear of further offending and reaching an outcome fully supported by the victim."These offences are in the main committed by young people, but all ages can be affected. I would advise anyone considering sharing an image of themselves to pause before doing so and think about whether they’d want anyone else to see that picture. If the image was shared, what would the effect be on you, your friends and your family?

"If photographs are taken or kept, I’d advise ensuring that access to the material is secured and controlled by the person whose image it is and isn’t accessible by anyone else. Once you send a picture it’s out of your control - so if you wouldn’t share the picture with anyone other than the intended recipient, then my advice would be not to send it."