New campaign launched to shine light on tech-enabled abuse
A victim of deepfake pornography has bravely shared her story
A victim of deepfake pornography has bravely shared her story - as Merseyside Police launch a new campaign on tech-enabled abuse.
Sophie Parrish had pictures taken from her social media by someone close to her family and uploaded to a website, where users were invited to photostop her face onto explicit and degrading sexual images.
She joined the campaign launch at Merseyside Police HQ, where an audience of police cadets and invited guests heard from Sophie and cyber specialists.
Tech-enabled abuse can include:
- Constant unwanted messages
- Threats made through social media
- Sharing intimate images without consent
- Tracking someone's location
- Controlling smart home devices
- Accessing personal accounts without permission
The campaign aims to shine a light on this, help women recognise the red flags, and know where to access support.
It's the fourth phase of the police and Police and Crime Commissioner's Taking Action campaign, which aims to prevent and tackle violence against women and girls.
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said:
"We are seeing more offenders use technology to intimidate, monitor or control victims, and the impact of this abuse is every bit as serious as harm caused in person. Tech enabled abuse can leave victims feeling watched in their own homes, fearful about using their devices, and unsure who to turn to.
"Our officers are committed to responding robustly to these crimes, protecting those at risk, and holding perpetrators to account. We are absolutely focused on identifying those who weaponise technology to abuse others and will use every tool available to pursue, disrupt, and bring offenders to justice.
"We want victims to know they will be listened to"
"I want to recognise Sophie’s courage and bravery in sharing her lived experience. Speaking out is never easy, but by doing so she is helping others recognise the signs of abuse and showing victims that they are not alone.
“By working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and our partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify the signs of tech enabled abuse earlier and provide practical safeguarding for women and girls across Merseyside. We want victims to know they will be listened to, believed, and supported, whether abuse happens offline, online, or both."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:
"Tech enabled abuse is one of the fastest growing forms of violence against women and girls, with devastating real life consequences.
"Deepfake abuse, online monitoring, threats and image based harm are not ‘online issues’ — they are acts of abuse that can be frightening, deeply violating and can have a profound impact on women and girls’ safety, wellbeing and daily life.
"This abuse will not be tolerated in Merseyside"
"Through our Taking Action campaign, we are shining a light on these behaviours, raising awareness of the red flags and making it clear that this abuse will not be tolerated in Merseyside.
"I also want to recognise Sophie’s remarkable bravery in sharing her experience of deepfake abuse. Speaking openly about something so personal takes enormous courage, and her voice helps others to understand just how serious and harmful these behaviours can be.
"My commitment to tackling Violence against Women and Girls is unwavering, and together with Merseyside Police and our partners we are working to prevent harm, protect those at risk, and take robust action against anyone who uses technology to abuse or exploit others."