Make it illegal for the media to shame victims of romance fraud

Make it illegal for the media to shame victims of romance fraud — 151 signatures. Status: closed.

Petition background

We believe it should be illegal for the media to use victim-shaming language in their headlines and news reports. We think that doing so is secondary victimisation, which includes harassment and discrimination, that the media should be held accountable for.

Additional details

Romance fraud destroys lives. It is a cruel and devastating crime where fraudsters groom victims through coercive control, similar to domestic abuse. However, we think that sections of the British press believe that victims of romance fraud are legitimate targets for ridicule. We believe this is completely unethical and this pure form of victim shaming will stop others coming forward to report crimes. We do not think that victims should have to live with the shame they are made to feel.

View this petition on the official UK Parliament website

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