What is revenge porn?

Revenge posting, such as revenge porn is unfortunately a very big problem all around the world. However, there are many people who are fighting against it. In this article we will be explaining what the problem is and what you can do to protect yourself from it.

Revenge porn meaning

Revenge porn is the distribution of intimate images or videos without consent. Such content is usually posted by ex-partners in order to humiliate and intimidate the person who is depicted in it. Some may even use this as a form of blackmailing in order to extort for example, money. Sometimes the images even state personal information, such as the victims full name, address and links to their social media profiles. Nowadays, it’s quite easy for this type of content to spread due to the evolution of the internet and the speed in which information is shared around. Such pictures and videos can be seen by thousands of people in a very small amount of time by simply being posted on a popular site which hosts pornographic content. However, this isn't something new. Revenge porn existed even before the internet was so accessible. One would submit such pictures to magazines which would then publish them in order to humiliate the people depicted.

What are the effects of revenge porn on the victim?

One thing is for sure; the emotional distress revenge porn can have on its victims is truly immense. Such people might end up being severely harassed by strangers and not only if their personal information was disclosed. The non consensual distribution of such sexual content can scar someone for life and ruin many opportunities for them. Victims of revenge porn may also end up having immense trust issues due to the betrayal they have faced, which will create many problems in any future relationships. However, the trauma might be so immense that they decide to not enter a relationship ever again. A strained relationship with one's own family is also quite possible, since unfortunately, not all family members may be supportive and understanding during this hard time. Some of them may even blame the victim due to their lack of empathy and understanding.

Revenge porn - laws

With this being quite a serious problem, many countries have implemented their own revenge laws. The posting of such content without consent is considered a criminal offense and a violation of the rights of the person depicted in it. Perpetrators of this kind of crime can receive very high fines and even serve a couple of years of jail time. Countries which have proceeded with such laws include Australia, Canada, many states of the US, Malta, the UK, Japan and South Korea. These are however only a few examples of the many countries which have started taking action against revenge porn. Nowadays, more and more countries are starting to legally battle with revenge posting.

How to protect yourself from revenge porn

In order to protect yourself from becoming a victim of revenge porn, you have to be very careful about who you share your intimate images with and where you post them. Be sure that your current or any of your future partners can be fully trusted and aren’t going to take any explicit content of you without your consent. However, in the case they do, act and don’t stay silent. First, you have to look up information regarding your choices and the law and take legal action against them. There are even services which can help you with the removal of this type of content. Get all the help you can and remember that you’re not alone and don’t lose hope.

Summary

Revenge porn is quite a serious issue which can affect many people. Luckily, many countries have started implementing laws regarding such crimes, but that still doesn’t mean that you’re completely safe. You must protect your personal image before such situations, so they don’t occur at all. However if they do, you must act against the perpetrator and take legal action.