Overview

The Voyeurism (Offences) Bill aims to strengthen the law on voyeurism in England and Wales by creating new offenses related to the non-consensual use of equipment to observe or record images under someone's clothing. This aims to close existing legal loopholes and better protect victims.

Description

This bill amends the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It introduces two new offenses under Section 67A:

• Offense 1: Operating equipment (e.g., a camera) under someone's clothing without their consent, to observe their genitals or buttocks, with the intention of obtaining sexual gratification or to humiliate, distress, or alarm the victim.
• Offense 2: Recording an image under someone's clothing without consent, with the intention for the image to be viewed for sexual gratification or to humiliate, distress or alarm the victim.

The bill defines "operating equipment" to include enabling or securing its activation by another person without their knowledge. Penalties for conviction include up to 12 months imprisonment (or 2 years on indictment). The bill applies to offences committed on or after the day it becomes law and extends only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The potential costs would likely be associated with increased prosecutions and potential support services for victims. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Victims of Voyeurism: The bill aims to better protect individuals who experience this invasive violation of privacy.
• Perpetrators of Voyeurism: Individuals found guilty of these new offences will face legal consequences, including potential imprisonment.
• Law Enforcement: Police and the judicial system will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases under the new law.

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