Revenge Porn
Revenge porn, also called nonconsensual pornography, is the act of sharing an intimate photo or video of another person without their express consent for the purposes of causing embarrassment or other mental duress.
Commonly a person is also doxxed in the process, with their personal information being included in the media published. At best, nonconsensual pornography is psychologically traumatising to the victim. At worst, it can destroy a person’s life.
Why does revenge porn happen?
The act of nonconsensual pornography can be motivated by a desire to control another person, or can be a vengeful act committed on behalf of someone who feels a strong desire to humiliate or otherwise discredit a former partner.
It’s worth noting that even the threat of sharing private photos or videos still classifies as revenge porn or nonconsensual pornography. In these cases, the perpetrator holds the information hostage, demanding that the victim send them money or even more explicit material.
What should I do if I’m a victim of revenge porn?
Recognize that this is not your fault
It’s easy to play the blame game on things that should or should not have been said or done. But there is absolutely no justification for someone to publish intimate media without your consent.
Report the image or video
The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has a step-by-step guide on how to get revenge porn removed. You’ll need to report it to all of the platforms that you find it on. This could include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Fetlife, Tik Tok, Tumblr, Reddit, Google, Yahoo, and possibly more. CCRI’s guide provides information on how to document and report the post(s) as well as what you can expect to happen as a result.
Research the legality of revenge porn in your area
If you reside in the United States, 46 states plus D.C. have laws on their books against revenge porn. Wyoming, Mississippi, South Carolina and Massachusetts have no specific laws against it. In Canada, it is a criminal offense, as well as in Wales, England, Spain, Germany, and many other European countries. Check to see if there’s one where you live, and decide if you want to involve local law enforcement.
Consider hiring a takedown service
If you go this route, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Before paying money, look into taking it down yourself for free. Carefully read any agreement and look out for hidden fees or recurring charges.
Report a company that refuses to remove the post
If a company posts your image without your consent, and they also refuse to take the image down, you can file a complaint at econsumer.gov, which works with over 65 enforcement agencies worldwide.
Revenge porn falls squarely under the category of consent violations. Take time to process and to heal, and know that you aren’t alone. If you have experienced non-consensual pornography or need help, advice, or support, CCRI has a list of international resources and hotlines for organizations that can help you. You can also visit our Help is Here page.
