Revenge porn can happen to anyone

What is revenge porn?

Revenge porn is a cybercrime and classifies as any kind of revealing or explicit photos or videos that are posted on the internet. (Specifically the internet. That said, sending nudes or sexually graphic videos of someone without their permission through text messages/emails/messengers/etc is still illegal!) These images or videos are posted without the person’s consent and are typically done to embarrass or harass them.   

Why is revenge porn such a bad thing?

For starters, it causes genuine distress for the victim. Another important thing that people don’t understand is that images and videos like this can destroy someone’s career and life.

Not only are you creating emotional distress, but now you’re harming them financially. Beyond that, there are numerous cases where victims have committed suicide over the release of revenge pornography. This is a private moment in someone’s life that they never intended anyone else to see and releasing something like that because you are unhappy with them is unexceptable. 

Revenge Porn is Abuse

Revenge porn IS considered to be a type of domestic abuse. These images are often used to blackmail a victim into doing something. Two examples of that would be staying in a relationship (You stay or I release the photos) or a very common one is using these images during custody battles. Sex traffickers have also been known to use explicit images to keep victims in their clutches.

Who does it affect?  What are the facts?

Revenge porn can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender. However, the vast majority of revenge porn victims are young females (Roughly 1.7x more likely). According to a 2017 study done in the US, 1 out of every 8 people (specifically those that use social media) were victims of revenge porn. 

Is Revenge porn a federal or state law?

Both, actually. State law applies to crimes committed within state lines, federal goes after crimes that happen across one or more state lines. State law is also far more limited than state law can be. At a federal level, a victim can go after websites that host these images.

What are the charges?

It depends on your state. Revenge porn can be a misdemeanor or it can go all the way up to a felony. A lot of it depends on the content and age of the victim as well. Some states require a fine, some you will get jail time, you might be convicted of child porn, and some require registration on the sex offender list. Research revenge porn law in your individual state.

What if my state doesn’t protect victims of this crime?

You can still file various charges and/or sue.

A take-down order or a restraining order are two things you can ask for. Disorderly conduct and distributing and possessing child pornography are another two depending on the nature and the age of the victims.

You can also sue the offending party for stalking/harassment, invasion of privacy, defamation, misappropriation, or copyright infringement.

You can also consider writing or calling your local representative and ask them to consider getting involved to help create a law in your state to protect these victims.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of revenge porn…

I strongly encourage you guys to reach out to your local law enforcement and then a lawyer. A criminal lawyer can tell you if they’ve broken any laws and a personal injury lawyer can tell you if you can sue for lost wages if you’ve been fired because of revenge porn.

You can also visit this nifty list of resources – https://www.cybercivilrights.org/victim-resources/

As always guys, be safe, know your rights, and don’t infringe on anyone else’s.