Online porn could be fuelling violence against women and girls, Home Office warns
A review will establish any possible links amid fears over the amount of X-rated material viewed by schoolchildren
ONLINE Porn could be fuelling violence against women – the Home Office declared on Tuesday night.
Ministers revealed they are commissioning a review to find out if there are definitive links amid spiralling concerns about the amount of X-rated material being viewed by schoolchildren.
Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins said it was one of FIFTY FOUR promises being made by the Government as it sets out measures to tackle violence against women and girls.
The package will also include a review into how rape and sexual violence cases are handled across the criminal justice system.
Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day later this week, Ms Atkins said: “Violence against women and girls strike at the heart of our families, friendships and communities and it is our responsibility to bring light, justice and support to victims and survivors.
“It is right that in the week of International Women’s Day, we keep looking at how we can build on the excellent work done so far.
“Following campaigns such as #MeToo and #TimesUp that have highlighted the sheer scale of incidents, we, as a society, must do all we can to tackle these horrendous crimes and attitudes.”
Charities last year warned kids as young as 11 are “addicted” to online porn. Childline said primary school pupils had been exposed to graphic images and videos because of a lack of proper age restrictions.
The government planned to introduce age verification in April 2018.
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But Ministers delayed the scheme amid claims the technical challenges of implementing the law across thousands of websites weren't practical.
Age checks were then expected to appear online around April 2019 but there has been no confirmation. The Home Office review follows the clamour for action against social media giants following the tragic suicide of Molly Russell whose father said Instagram 'helped to kill his 14-year-old daughter'.
The Government is due to unveil an Online Harms policy paper in the coming weeks.
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