Landmark Case for Victims of Image-Based Abuse
FGX v Gaunt
In a landmark case, a woman was awarded £97,000 in damages for image-based abuse. The case, FGX v Gaunt, is the first time that a court has awarded damages for psychological harm caused by the sharing of intimate images without consent.
Background
In 2017, FGX, a 49-year-old woman, began a relationship with Stuart Gaunt, a 51-year-old man. During the course of the relationship, Gaunt secretly filmed FGX naked and shared the images online. FGX discovered the images when she was browsing the internet and was horrified to see that her face was clearly visible.
The Impact of Image-Based Abuse
FGX suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the image-based abuse. She experienced flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety attacks. She also withdrew from social activities and had difficulty sleeping.
The Lawsuit
FGX sued Gaunt for breach of confidence, misuse of private information, and breach of contract. She also sought compensation under the Data Protection Act 1998.
The Verdict
In 2023, the judge in the case, Mrs Justice Thornton, found in favor of FGX and awarded her damages of £60,000 for her psychological harm and £37,041.61 for consequential financial losses.
Significance of the Case
The case of FGX v Gaunt is significant because it is the first case in which a court has awarded damages for PTSD caused by image-based abuse. This sets a precedent for other victims of this type of abuse to claim for compensation.
How to Protect Yourself from Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on victims. It is important to be aware of the risks of image-based abuse and to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips:
- Do not send intimate images to anyone. Once you send an image, you lose control of it. It could be shared with others without your consent.
- Be careful about who you share your personal information with. If you do share your personal information, make sure you trust the person you are sharing it with.
- Be aware of the risks of social media. Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but it can also be a platform for image-based abuse. Be careful about what you share on social media and who you interact with.
If you have been a victim of image-based abuse, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can contact the National Centre for Cyberstalking for support and advice. You can also report the abuse to the police.
Claim Time
If you have been a victim of image-based abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a specialist lawyer today to discuss your case.
The time to claim for compensation is limited, so it is important to act quickly. A specialist lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights and options and to start the claims process.
Conclusion
Image-based abuse is a serious crime in the UK. It is also known as revenge porn, cyber-bullying, or sextortion. It can have a devastating impact on victims, causing them emotional distress, financial loss, and even physical harm.
If you have been a victim of image-based abuse, there are a number of things you can do:
- Report it to the police. You can do this by calling 101 or by going to your local police station.
- Get help from the National Centre for Cyberstalking. They can offer support and advice on how to deal with image-based abuse. You can contact them on 0300 303 0022.
- Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor. They can help you to understand your legal rights and options and to start the claims process. Claim Today is a specialist personal injury law specialist that has experience in dealing with claims for image-based abuse. They offer a free initial consultation and work on a no win, no fee basis. You can contact them on 0800 29 800 29.
Do not suffer in silence. If you have been a victim of image-based abuse, take action today.
Here are some online safety tips to help you protect yourself from image-based abuse:
- Do not send intimate images to anyone. Once you send an image, you lose control of it. It could be shared with others without your consent.
- Be careful about who you share your personal information with. If you do share your personal information, make sure you trust the person you are sharing it with.
- Be aware of the risks of social media. Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but it can also be a platform for image-based abuse. Be careful about what you share on social media and who you interact with.
By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself from image-based abuse.
Do not delay, claim today!
