What punishment can offenders receive?

Under the new law, perpetrators can face up to two years in prison for committing the offence.

Because upskirting is now considered a sexual offence, the most serious culprits could also end up on the sex offenders register.

What should you do if you believe you have been a victim of upskirting?

To report a crime, you can either call 999 in an emergency (such as when the crime is still taking place, or the perpetrator is threatening violence, for example). In other non-emergency situations call 101, or report the crime in person or online with your local police department. You can find contact details for your local police using this database online.

What happens next?

Once you’ve reported an upskirting incident, the police will begin to collect evidence to begin their investigation. As part of this process they will ask you to provide as much detail as possible, so they can write a statement.

If you feel distressed and need a break during this process, you are entitled to take one.

After the interview has been completed, they will ask you to read the statement and check all the details to make sure they’ve got it right, and you’ll have to sign it.

Upskirting law: this is what to do if you are a victim