By midday, Jessica, a dedicated operator at the Revenge Porn Helpline, has already handled five calls from distressed young women in their 20s. Each caller is on the verge of tears, seeking urgent help. Jessica listens attentively, asking clarifying questions and offering reassurance. “Are these images sexual in nature?” she inquires, pen poised to take notes. “It’s all right. Take your time,” she adds, providing a calm presence in a moment of crisis.
Jessica is part of a team of four women working tirelessly at the helpline, located in an office outside Exeter. Since its inception a decade ago, the helpline has been a lifeline for individuals whose intimate images have been shared without their consent. “It’s a shocking time for you. I’m so sorry to hear what happened,” Jessica tells a caller whose ex-partner has threatened to post explicit videos on OnlyFans. “Have you called the police? And they haven’t got back to you?” she asks, promising to do everything possible to have the content removed.
The Rise of Nonconsensual Image Sharing
The helpline’s work mirrors the evolving ways the internet is used to harm individuals. Since its launch by a small safer technology charity in 2015, there has been a more than fortyfold increase in calls. In 2024 alone, reports rose by 20.9%. Initially, the helpline primarily assisted women, but by 2023, more men were reaching out. In its first year, the staff managed 521 cases; last year, they handled 22,264. At the current rate, they anticipate doubling this caseload by 2028.
The nature of the content has also changed. Increasingly, callers are concerned about AI-generated deepfakes. “The technology is so much better now that it can be very difficult to determine if footage is synthetic or genuine,” explains Sophie Mortimer, the helpline manager. “People tell us: ‘That’s me, but I don’t remember it being filmed.’ It’s very disconcerting.”
Beyond “Revenge Porn”: A Broader Crisis
Despite being known as a helpline for “revenge pornography” victims, the service handles a wide range of issues. Many calls involve blackmail by criminals who have entrapped victims online. Opposite Jessica, another operator, Alice, assists a man in his 30s who was extorted after sharing an intimate image on a dating platform. “Have you blocked them?” she asks, offering support and advice.
Despite the grim nature of their work, the helpline staff find positivity in their ability to provide practical solutions. Jessica reassures a caller that OnlyFans is typically responsive to takedown requests, boasting a 90.9% success rate in removing nonconsensual content. “You can hear the relief in their voices when we tell them they’re not to blame,” she says. Unfortunately, police responses can sometimes reinforce self-blame, a challenge the helpline works to counteract.
Legislative and Technological Challenges
The helpline’s office is a hub of activity, with a graph illustrating the dramatic rise in demand for their services. Employees have decorated their space with humorous items, a testament to their close-knit, supportive work environment. “You develop a certain dark humour,” Mortimer notes, explaining the need to destigmatize the content they deal with.
Recent legislative changes, such as the Online Safety Act, aim to make it easier to remove nonconsensual content. The Data (Use and Access) Act, which criminalizes nonconsensual synthetic content, is partially in force. However, challenges remain, especially with sites outside the UK. Mortimer highlights the difficulty in removing content from noncompliant sites, particularly those based in Russia, South America, and parts of Asia.
Meanwhile, Alice advises a caller on creating a digital fingerprint, or hash, of an image to prevent its upload. “The bargaining chip is lost as soon as they are shared,” she explains, underscoring the importance of swift action.
Looking Ahead: The Fight Continues
The helpline’s work is far from over. With the rise of deepfakes and sextortion, their services are more critical than ever. Despite the challenges, the team remains committed to supporting victims and advocating for stronger protections.
Before ending her shift, Jessica assists a caller quoted £3,500 by a private company for content removal. “You shouldn’t have to pay for the content to be removed,” she assures. “We’re here to support you for as long as you need.”
The Revenge Porn Helpline can be reached at 0345 6000 459. For those under 18, Childline is available at 0800 1111. In the UK, the national domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and in Australia, the national family violence counselling service is 1800 737 732. International helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
