Trigger warning- sexual offences described: 

My name is Catherine and two years ago, my step-dad was arrested for having placed a spy camera in my room and using the footage for his own sexual gratification. The police explained that he would be charged with Voyeurism. I had heard the word before but didn’t understand it’s meaning. It describes gaining sexual pleasure from watching others whilst they are naked or engaged in sexual activity- usually without their consent. 

I am creating this petition to raise more awareness of the offence and to change the sentencing around it. From my own experiences, I know it to be a more complicated and serious crime than the law reads with wide and long lasting impacts. 

The evidence gathered shows that the footage obtained starts no earlier than a few weeks after my 18th birthday (he had been recording for almost a year before his arrest). As such, he narrowly missed out on being charged with child pornography. This charge and sentence reflects a higher severity although in my opinion in too, like many other sexual offences, falls way below the bar of the level of sentence that should be received. However it can carry a larger sentence and, the length of sentence can be increased with the amount of indecent material the accused has in their possession. With Voyeurism, a maximum sentence of two years is given regardless of whether the perpetrator is in possession of one photo or approximately 350,000 images/videos (mine unfortunately being the latter) so the flexibility of this sentence is something I think needs to be considered here too. 

The sentencing term also neglects to consider the circumstances of the offence. My step-dad was introduced into my family when I was 8 years old. He was meant to be a father figure. I know he didn't just wake up on my 18th birthday and suddenly find my body sexually appealing. He waited deliberately and consciously to do what he did, knowing that he would receive a less severe penalty if caught. He didn’t just watch me from behind a camera, he thoroughly ‘enjoyed it’ and even used my underwear and sex toys whilst I was out the house to further increase his sense of pleasure. It was planned and deliberate and malicious- the law does not reflect that. And with ever-evolving technologies and recording devices, it is becoming easier for perpetrators to commit these violating crimes.

Yesterday (21/09/23), he was sentenced to a mere 22 months in prison for his crimes and Voyeurism was only one of the charges he was sentenced with (the others also being sexual offences). With good behaviour, he is only likely to serve half time. Less than a year. When you compare this to other offences it’s even more shocking. Possession of weed carries a maximum sentence of up to 5 years. Tax evasion 7-14 years. These are crimes in their own right and I am not condoning them, but in my opinion, they do not have the same impact on victims/users as sex offences do.

The impact that this has had on me will linger for the rest of my life. Even day to day activities get impacted. For example, watching Meet the Fokers with my mum and having to stop after about 10 minutes because of a hidden camera in the Teddy Bear being treated as a comedic joke. Hearing about evidence that was given in court regarding what exactly he did to me that I wasn’t aware of previously and feeling freshly violated and vulnerable all over again. Something needs to change because the current sentence for this offence and so many other sexual offences is a slap in the face. 

With enough signatures, this could get national attention and have the time in Parliament that it needs and deserves (these petitions are easier to share than parliamentary ones so I am starting here). I do not want to sit quietly knowing that these offences will keep getting committed and that more and more victims will continue to believe that they have not received justice. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read and for your support. Thank you.