BELFAST – New laws meant to curtail “revenge porn” — the practice of posting sexually explicit images online in order to cause distress to the person depicted — went into effect mid-April, promising up to two years in jail for violators.

According to analysts, the new laws will make it easier for prosecutors to take accused perpetrators to court. Previously, charges had to be filed under existing laws that didn’t fit the crime very well, like copyright infringement or harassment.

During the 18 months ending September 2014, 149 allegations of revenge porn were reported to eight police stations in England and Wales. The vast majority of victims were women, and only six perpetrators faced indictment or any other sort of court action.

Dr. Fiona Vera-Gray, prevention manager with End Violence Against Women, said the new laws are a step in the right direction, but they aren’t nearly enough to address the problem.

“We are pleased with the introduction of a specific law, but see legislation as just one part of the action needed to stop revenge pornography,” she told the Belfast Telegraph.