EXTREME pornography laws should be reformed to criminalise the possession of images of rape, according to experts at Durham Law School who have welcomed a new report on the issue.

Professors Clare McGlynn and Erika Rackley, were commenting as a new report, 'Deeds or Words?' and an open letter to the Prime Minister called on the Government to close the loophole in extreme pornography legislation to include possession of images of rape.

The report, published by the End Violence Against Women Coalition, makes the recommendation as part of a new programme of work to prevent violence against women and girls.

The two Durham academics have argued for the reform of the extreme pornography legislation to include the possession of rape pornography for several years.

Prof Rackley said: "The extreme pornography legislation is in urgent need of reform. The current law excludes of the vast majority of pornographic images of rape.

"Pornographic images of rape are easily and freely accessible online.

"Some pro-rape pornography images revel in the distress of women, enticing viewers with claims that 'these girls say no but we say yes' or 'it doesn't matter if they want it or not'. Some sites offer 'rape photos made by real criminals'."

Prof McGlynn said: "While those who view extreme pornography will not necessarily go on to commit sexual offences, their use of such material sustains a culture in which rape and sexual violence is normalised; in which a woman's 'no' is not taken seriously; in which equality and dignity are not protected."