Street harassment included in prosecution guidance
CPS introduces new chapter to their prosecution guidance dealing with public sexual abuse
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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has updated their prosecution guidance on public order offences to highlight that street harassment can and will be prosecuted.
The guidance now includes a specific chapter on charges relating to public sexual abuse.
The specific offences include exposure, up-skirting, cyberflashing and section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986.
It is sickening that seven in 10 women – almost three quarters – have been subjected to this disgusting behaviour.
It is equally concerning that so few incidents of sexual harassment in public are reported. The law is clear that if someone exposes themselves, tries to take inappropriate pictures or makes you feel threatened on the street, these are crimes and should not be dismissed.
Siobhan Blake, CPS national lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences
Read more: CPS sets out the law on street-based sexual harassment
