Opinion For too long bystanders of sexual harassment have not been held accountable. That’s got to change. After 18 months of tireless work, today we’ve finally done it. As the Queen formally agrees to make our bill into an Act of Parliament, we should see this campaign as not only essential legislative change, but also proof that normal people and grassroots campaigning can make a real difference. It’s a reminder to, instead of saying ‘someone should do something about this’, be that someone.

However, existing criminal law does not necessarily cover every instance of ‘upskirting.’ Creating a specific ‘upskirting’ offence would strengthen the law in this area, as it doesn’t have the same limitations as existing offences. The Voyeurism Act allows this intrusive behaviour to be treated as a sexual offence and, ensure that the most serious offenders are made subject to notification requirements (commonly referred to as the ‘sex offenders register’). The British Transport Police has reported a 178% rise in the number of ‘upskirting’ incidents from 2013-2017.

Gina Martin, the gender equality campaigner, speaker and writer, joins us on the publication day of her new book, No Offence, But …

In this livestreamed and interactive event, Martin will be joined by two of the book’s contributors - Ben Hurst from Beyond Equality, and writer Cathy Reay - to dissect the most frustrating phrases and share what we can all do to have positive conversations for meaningful change. You will also have the opportunity to share your own questions and comments in this livestreamed event. However, following concerns raised by victims that not all instances of ‘upskirting’ were covered by current law, the government acted to create a new, specific offence. The new law captures instances where the purpose is to obtain sexual gratification or cause humiliation, distress or alarm. It creates two new offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to capture this behaviour. The changes will cover England and Wales; ‘upskirting’ is already a specific offence in Scotland. Gina Martin and other victims, charities and MPs supporting her should be immensely proud. Her efforts show how one campaigner can work with government to change the law for everyone.As of today (12 April 2019) ‘upskirting’ offenders can be arrested and sent to prison as a new law banning the invasive practice comes into force across England and Wales. Despite her campaign’s success in igniting debates about misogyny and sexism, the fight for women’s rights is far from over.