How can the civil law help victims of image-based sexual abuse? Zahra Awaiz-Bilal reports on a landmark decision of the High Court
- The High Court’s decision in the recent case of FGX v Gaunt, where a victim of image-based sexual abuse is awarded nearly £100,000 in compensation, highlights how the civil law can help victims.
- With offences of image-based sexual abuse on the rise, it also acts as a timely reminder for perpetrators that they will face justice for their actions in both the criminal and civil courts.
On 27 February 2023, the High Court handed down judgment in the case of FGX v Gaunt [2023] EWHC 419 (KB), which focused on image-based sexual abuse—known colloquially as ‘revenge porn’—and the impact this can have on a victim’s life, and in particular on their mental health.
The facts
FGX commenced a relationship with Gaunt in March 2016, and shortly thereafter moved in with him. In October 2017, she found a camera concealed in their bathroom.
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