https://www.gov.uk/government/news/revenge-porn-helpline-launched-by-government

This Govt helpline started with a 0845 number in Feb 2015  which went against  govt guidelines  not to use such numbers.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmg-guidance-for-customer-service-lines

It continues to use an 0845 number and does not comply with  the changes  implemented by Ofcom on 1 July 2015.

It currently says "Our number is Lo-call rate from BT landlines, with a maximum charge of 5p per call. Calls from mobiles will cost significantly more. We will always be happy to call you straight back if you prefer. You can reach us free of charge via our email help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk or our online reporting tool Whisper."

http://www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

I decided (in a state of somewhat annoyance) to provide them with some extensive feedback...

We shall see what happens.

:-?

Just tried the 0345 version on a punt ... obvioulsy no joy will tweet them.

On looking around site a bit further i found a statement about the number and charges which is now incorrect. The use of 0845 has been raised before.

" Revenge Porn Helpline Call Charges

Further to recent media articles, the South West Grid for Learning issues the following statement in response to questions over the cost of calls to the helpline:

"South West Grid for Learning was proud to launch the Revenge Porn Helpline on February 8th 2015 and has been delighted with the supportive response from its users and the public. The Helpline is already supporting victims of Revenge Porn - victims who have intimate images of them shared and posted online without their consent.

The Helpline can be accessed both online and via the phone.

The Helpline number is 0845 6000 459 and is not a premium rate number. It is a Lo-call rate from BT landlines, with a maximum charge of 5p per call.

Calls from mobiles will cost significantly more, however we are always happy to return calls on request. The Helpline does not operate a call queuing system, protecting callers from unexpected call charges.

The Helpline can also be reached free of charge via our email help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk, or our online reporting tool Whisper.

We are a charity and do not receive any income from call charges.

We work closely with law enforcement as well as service and social media providers. We have developed specialist expertise in supporting users in removing harmful content from the internet; expertise that is provided free of charge to callers.

If you are a victim of Revenge Porn, please do make use of the helpline."

For further media enquires please contact esafety@swgfl.org.uk."

See: http://www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk/about-us/


The service is run by them on behalf of the Govt Equalities Office.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-equalities-office

I have asked the Equalities Office why they allow it to continue.

The government supposedly funds this helpline but has clearly not provided adequate funding.

Callers have to pay 5p per minute to the helpline's telecoms provider, but they fail to properly declare this. This is a premium rate number, the premium is the Service Charge. 0845 numbers haven't been 'Lo-call' since 2004.

The funding to adequately cover incoming calls to an 03 number wouldn't be an exorbitant figure. however, given the much lower cost for callers, it would be interesting to see if a change of number would prompt more people to make a report.

There was coverage of the wider issues in the Mirror several months ago.

Ian01 wrote on Aug 27^th, 2015 at 7:39pm:

… There was coverage of the wider issues in the Mirror several months ago.

Stephen Hayward did this piece for us - Revenge porn helpline costs callers up to 41p a minute to get advice

We subsequently issued a further news release.

We are awaiting an imminent specific positive development, which will attract news coverage of its own, before getting the issue of expensive helpline numbers re-opened in the general media.