Revenge Porn: What it is and How to Fight it

If you follow the news, you may have heard about so-called "Revenge Porn," or non-consensual pornography. The term is associated with nude, intimate, or sexually explicit photos, shared by others, without their consent. Because several high-profile celebrities have fallen victim to "revenge porn," it's an issue that many across the country are familiar with, and, unfortunately, it could happen to almost anyone, no matter their age, income, or social status. Cell phone and social media use is almost universal and it's easier now than ever to distribute images across multiple platforms quickly and easily. According to one recent survey, around 35% of women and 38% of men reported sharing intimate photos of themselves with another person at some point in time. When these personal images are then shared with others, or distributed in any way without the consent of the person pictured, this could constitute a criminal offense. 

Not only is "revenge porn" embarrassing, it can severely impact a person's mental health, reputation, relationships and career. It's not uncommon for victims to suffer long-term mental health issues as a result of the trauma. Images can be obtained from many sources, such as hidden cameras or experienced hackers, but in recent years, more and more people have used "revenge porn" as a way to intimidate or exact revenge on former partners by sharing "selfies" taken by the victim or photos or screenshots taken by a trusted partner. Sharing these personal images is not only hurtful, it often leads to threats, stalking, and harassment. Individuals are discovering photos that have been taken by or shared with an intimate partner posted in public forums in record numbers. 

According to The National Association of Attorneys General, over 10 million people reported being a victim of "Revenge Porn" in 2016, and the problem is growing. In fact, a 2019 study showed that this type of image sharing had increased by 400% over the previous 3 years. Because not all cases are discovered or reported, the actual number of "revenge porn" victims may be much higher. Many of these victims reported that by the time they realized that their photos had been shared, they had already been re-shared over and over. In some extreme cases, they were forced to quit their jobs, change schools, or change their names. 

For many victims, the first step after the discovery of shared personal images would be to report this to their local law enforcement agency. Entities such as the Federal Trade Commission, the FBI, individual search engines, and social media sites also provide mechanisms to report images and have them taken down. Mental health crisis lines can also be helpful for victims needing immediate support.  Laws are currently on the books in 48 states that directly address "Revenge Porn," but because each case is highly unique, it's a good idea to discuss your case with an experienced family law attorney. Under North Carolina law, "Revenge Porn" is referred to as "disclosure of private images" and is considered a felony. Along with criminal action, there are also laws in North Carolina that allow victims of "Revenge Porn" to sue individuals who have shared images without permission.

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, it is vital that you have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate the intricacies of your individual situation. Please contact our firm today to discuss your case. We strive to provide compassion, discretion, and excellence and will treat your case with the attention and care that it deserves. Our team is here to help you through this difficult time.