Revenge Porn: How to React

What is revenge porn?

Revenge porn is a form of abuse and gender-based violence in which intimate images or videos of a person are shared without their consent.

These images are usually captured or received during an intimate relationship and then disseminated online with the aim of causing harm, shame and humiliation to the victim.

This heinous act has devastating consequences for those affected.

Victims of this experience an invasion of their privacy, suffering significant emotional and psychological impact.

In addition, this form of harassment can have professional, social and legal repercussions, negatively affecting the reputation and quality of life of those who suffer it.

Expert advice

The UK Helpline, a British support line for victims of revenge porn, has noticed a huge increase in reported cases since it was launched in 2015.

Revenge porn situations have almost doubled in just two years: the helpline received just over 500 reports in 2015 and more than 1,000 in 2017.

How to react in case of revenge porn

Once someone has a photo or video of you, it’s very difficult to get control of the situation.

Experts point out that even if you have a partner, you should think twice before sharing any image.

Also, you should regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts and turn off your webcam when you’re not using it.

But if someone were to post your personal photos, videos or texts without consent, how should you react according to the experts?

Rebecca Sharp's advice

Here are tips from Rebecca Sharp, an active contributor to the Revenge Porn Helpline since its inception:

Keep the evidence, as it may be useful to experts.
if possible, report photos and videos to the website;
talk to friends and family, talking and confronting each other can be helpful and therapeutic;
do not panic. If evidence is preserved and local authorities are informed, some experienced and specialized teams may be able to remove harmful links.

What stance should NGOs take on revenge porn?

NGOs must take a firm and committed stance against revenge porn.

It is essential that these organizations take a stand against this form of abuse, and dedicate themselves to protecting the rights of women and victims in general.

This involves offering emotional support, legal advice and specialized resources to help those affected overcome the aftermath of this type of cybercrime.

At Protection 4Kids we believe in the importance of educating society about respect for privacy and consent.

With the aim of eradicating this harmful practice and ensuring a safe and humiliation-free environment for all.

Conclusions

In conclusion, revenge porn is a form of violence that has devastating effects on victims:

The invasion of privacy, the emotional and psychological impact, as well as the potential professional, social and legal repercussions, underline the seriousness of this practice;
according to experts, it is important to take precautions when sharing intimate images and to maintain control over privacy settings on social networks;
awareness of revenge porn and the adoption of preventive and supportive measures are essential to combat revenge porn.