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answer text |
<p>We recognise that image-based sexual abuse, such as the behaviour criminalised
by section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2015, is a terrible abuse of trust, and
that it may leave victims feeling humiliated and degraded.</p><p> </p><p>We do not
consider, however, that it is necessary to extend to complainants in section 33 cases
the automatic prohibition on identification that applies, exceptionally, to sexual
offences under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992. In respect of a witness in
any criminal case there is the possibility of applying to the courts for reporting
restrictions to provide lifetime protection from being identified in the media; such
restrictions will be considered if the quality of the witness’s evidence is likely
to be diminished as a result of fear or distress at the possibility of being publicly
identified. Special measures, such as giving evidence away from the court room or
from behind a screen, are also available.</p>
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