Georgia Harrison, a 30-year-old reality TV personality known for her appearances on "The Only Way is Essex" and "Love Island," continues to confront the harrowing impact of image-based sexual abuse. Despite her efforts to erase a sexually explicit video from the internet, it remains readily accessible, causing her ongoing distress. Harrison has been vocal about her ordeal, sharing her story with Members of Parliament on the Women and Equalities Committee and addressing the Labour Party Conference to shed light on this pervasive issue.
Harrison's experience stems from a relationship with Stephen Bear, who was convicted in 2023 for sharing a private film of them without her consent. Bear received a 21-month prison sentence for voyeurism and disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress. Harrison bravely waived her right to anonymity to speak out against image-based abuse, emphasizing the emotional violation it entails.
"It is the same feeling of humiliation, a violation of literally being de-clothed without your consent," – Georgia Harrison
In an effort to raise awareness and foster change, Harrison will host an ITV series titled "Porn, Power, Profit," airing on 18 and 19 February at 21:00 GMT on ITV2 and ITVX. This two-part series delves into the issues of deepfakes and image-based sexual abuse. Throughout the series, Harrison engages with various individuals impacted by these topics, including victims, journalists, and representatives from the adult entertainment industry.
"It's unconsented image-based abuse. Just because it's fake, doesn't mean it doesn't evoke the same emotion within the victim it affects." – Georgia Harrison
Harrison's advocacy extends beyond personal narratives as she seeks systemic change. She has expressed hope that increased awareness and collaboration between governments and internet companies will eventually make it more difficult to share unconsented imagery online.
"I have so much faith that eventually we will live in a world where unconsented imagery is far harder to share, especially on the normal web." – Georgia Harrison
"The only way for it to be impossible for not only my video but any victim of image-based sexual abuse's video not to be online in the future is for there to be more awareness and for the government and higher-up companies within the internet to get together and face it head on." – Georgia Harrison
Her decision to speak out was not taken lightly, yet she remains steadfast in her belief that it is crucial for her own future and that of other women.
"For me, I know it wasn't the easiest thing to do, it was the best thing I can do for my future and other women's future." – Georgia Harrison
A spokesperson from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology highlighted the severe implications of sharing intimate images online without consent.
"Sharing intimate images online without consent is a vile trend which can inflict profound and lasting harm to victims, particularly for women and girls." – A spokesperson from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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