Vicky’s proper, the conditioning runs deep. However actual change occurs when survivors can share their tales in a protected, non-judgmental area. As Madelaine tells GLAMOUR, “As a substitute of recreating, or searching for to expertise it for tv, sources ought to have been used to teach the general public concerning the real-life penalties of image-based abuse and the systemic modifications wanted to stop it.”
Because the documentary was introduced, Vicky has engaged with survivors’ criticism. She tells GLAMOUR that she’s had messages from “a great deal of ladies,” together with mother and father, survivors, and girls who have been instructed they “ought to be flattered” when reporting deepfake abuse to the police.
“Victims have come ahead and have instructed me they’re grateful for shining a light-weight on this challenge and speaking about it on a a lot larger stage,” Vicky says.
“I perceive that some survivors on the market might really feel my determination to create a consensual deepfake intercourse tape could possibly be seen as trivialising their trauma. That was by no means my intention, and I need to be clear: the aim of this venture is to amplify their voices and draw consideration to the devastating impression of this abuse.
“The pretend intercourse tape was created to spark a dialog and assist individuals perceive how deeply disturbing and violating it’s to have intimate content material shared or fabricated with out consent. Whereas I do know that my expertise can’t examine to the real-life horror survivors face, I hope the documentary will elevate consciousness, push for motion, and assist create a society that protects and helps victims.”
Channel 4 has additionally addressed the backlash, telling The Customary, “The documentary hears straight from victims of image-based abuse, to make sure that sufferer’s tales are on the forefront of the aim of the programme.
“In doing so, audiences will see first-hand testimony from those that have lived by this challenge, thus elevating the profile of the issue and the methods through which we should help victims, by higher processes enforced on tech firms, authorities laws, higher training and activism.”
“Vicky goals to exhibit how easy it’s to create specific deepfake content material and lift consciousness of how accessible this content material is and the way it can proliferate on-line.
“She additionally needed to expertise, as intently as doable, the emotions, vulnerabilities and issues that come up when one turns into a sufferer of deepfake porn.
“The documentary recreates this, in a managed surroundings, to exemplify the convenience with which this type of content material can unfold on-line and to lift consciousness by demonstrating actions individuals can take ought to they discover themselves a sufferer of this crime. The selection to make unique footage ensures that everybody concerned was in a position to totally consent from the outset.”
*Names have been modified to guard survivors’ anonymity and security.
GLAMOUR is campaigning for the federal government to introduce an Picture-Primarily based Abuse Invoice in partnership with Jodie Campaigns, the Finish Violence Towards Ladies Coalition, Not Your Porn, and Professor Clare McGlynn.
Revenge Porn Helpline offers recommendation, steerage and help to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who stay within the UK. You possibly can name them on 0345 6000 459.