Brinda S
Introduction
Revenge Porn is the spreading of sexually explicit images or videos without one’s consent to seek revenge. Usually, such explicit pictures are shared in an intimate relationship with or without the knowledge of the partner. These are used to blackmail the partner or the person in silencing them, for punishing them for ending the relationship, force them to have sex, and to continue the relationship. This is also called cyber rape. This is done to humiliate and intimidate the other person. These images and videos usually contain full names, their home address, phone number, links to their social media, and workplace to ruin their life.
So many victims of revenge porn have lost their jobs and so many of them have killed themselves out of shame. Some victims have been recorded secretively without the victim’s consent. If you find such images or videos recorded without your permission some laws that can help you. Recently, actress Mischa Barton experiences the same situation, she was able to take action and secure a restraining order against the offender.
In a recent survey of national samples of adults, 10% of ex-partners threatened to put explicit images online and about 60% made threats that became reality. (McAfee,2013). Victims of this crime are experiencing the same psychological effects such as the victims of sexual assault. People found guilty of sharing such images could face a prison sentence of up to two years. Both men and women are victims of revenge porn but often women are the targets.
There has been a 22% rise in reports from the victims compared to last year in Uk funded helpline. This charity removed around 22,515 revenge porn images this year. Revenge porn is disturbing. Almost around in one 3 month period, one revenge porn website receives over 10,000 images and video submissions.
Why do people do it?
The desire to get back. Feelings of hurt and betrayal can cause anger and urge the person to cause pain to another person. Porn offers the ultimate ability to hurt and destroy someone. Due to the growing acceptance of porn, the opportunity for revenge porn to occur in the first place. Viewing porn on a regular basis influences behavior. The acceptance of viewing sexual images make it more likely that there is material that can be abused this way.
Few heartbreaking stories:
- One of the victims had strangers show up at her house looking for sex after her ex-boyfriend pretended to be her on internet chat rooms sharing her explicit pictures and sharing her house address to come to have sex. One of the strangers broke into her house grabbed her and tried to choke her.
- Another victim told that her ex-boyfriend posted a disc containing naked photos of her on an eBay auction which was successfully taken down. However, one year later he created a porn website with her explicit pictures which included her full name, address, phone number, and the college name she taught in.
- Another victim’s ex-husband brought her to a hotel room, drugged her, and recorded her. She had no memory that her ex-husband and another man had raped her. Seven months after the divorce he sent the video to the school board where worked. She was fired from her job as a school superintendent immediately.
Impacts of non-consensual pornography:
- Public disgrace
- Not open to new relationships
- Depression
- Suicidal
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Job loss
- Difficulties in securing new employment
- Harassment
How to prevent it?
Avoid being photographed or videoed in comprising situations would be a wise choice unless photographed or videoed without your consent. If you have been a victim of revenge porn, investigate your state laws and procedure for punishing the offender.
You are already doing great. But this one is truly important concept in today’s life. Good job and keep writing.
Thank you so much, Nidhi.
Very Well Written
Keep it up
Thank you!
you’re doing an amazing job. this was very thorough and we’ll researched.
Thank you so much.
very important article and very well written!!
Thank you.
Well written.
Such an important read! Well done 🙂
Thank you Brinda for writing this article
I would think about revenge porn but I couldn’t just understand why someone would do this.
There are people who blame the victims and your work puts the real picture.
This is really helpful!
Good job and you have written it so well… These types of incidents are very common nowadays… Keep writing.. God bless:))
very well stated, admist laws guiding, there are still people involved in this hampering ones mental health, victims should be supported to file complaints as they may set back with thoughts of ‘ what one may think if they get to know’ and other stigma’s attached. adding on supporting laws that exist for this article will also contribute to a full fledged read is my suggestion 🙂
hii Brinda it was a good article but you could also add:
Where can you go for support?
Therapy might be a good place to start if you think you’re having a problem with porn.
Your therapist will probably ask about your feelings surrounding porn, the function it serves, how often you use it, and how this use has affected your life.
You might also consider finding a local support group.
Ask your therapist or a doctor if they know of any sexual health support groups that focus on sex compulsions or out of control sexual behaviors in your area.
You could also look for online support groups if you can’t find any local in-person meetups
Hello there. Good work on the article. However, there is a prevalence of sending and receiving explicit photographs and videos , obviously upon mutual consent, between two individuals who are in an intimate relationship. Such an act has become an integral and necessary part of many relationships, especially long distance relationships where distance prevents two people from being physically close to one another. It is not wrong if it is an act that stems from mutual trust and consent. I only wish you had elaborated about the steps,both legal,social and psychological aid that one can take in order to prevent this in the first place and also if one falls prey to such a heinous crime. Take care.
Brinda, your article was very informative. You even presented testimonies to prove the pervasiveness of this phenomenon in our society. And i completely endorse with your opinions. For they presented facts. This does happen. Instances like these do occur. And they can have adverse repercussions in a female’s life. We have to proceed with caution, for the journey ahead of us is a complete stranger.
this is good!
Keep Writing 🙂
well written and an informative piece. great job in bringing out this important topic.
AN IMPORTANT CONCEPT TO BE TALKED ABOUT. THANKYOU FOR PUTTING IT UP.
This is much relevant topic and you nicely presented it. Such an informative one. Thank you for sharing this.