Petition · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Make it illegal for the media to shame victims of romance fraud
Closed
151 signatures
What the petition asks
We believe it should be illegal for the media to use victim-shaming language in their headlines and news reports. We think that doing so is secondary victimisation, which includes harassment and discrimination, that the media should be held accountable for.
Romance fraud destroys lives. It is a cruel and devastating crime where fraudsters groom victims through coercive control, similar to domestic abuse.
However, we think that sections of the British press believe that victims of romance fraud are legitimate targets for ridicule. We believe this is completely unethical and this pure form of victim shaming will stop others coming forward to report crimes. We do not think that victims should have to live with the shame they are made to feel.
However, we think that sections of the British press believe that victims of romance fraud are legitimate targets for ridicule. We believe this is completely unethical and this pure form of victim shaming will stop others coming forward to report crimes. We do not think that victims should have to live with the shame they are made to feel.
Timeline
| 12 Mar 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Sep 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
151
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Opened
12 Mar 2025
Closed
12 Sep 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 10 Aug 2026.