As the name suggests, those who post revenge porn do so mainly to ‘get back’ at having been rejected or what they consider to be some other kind of injustice. Although there is no hard and fast rule, the majority of perpetrators are male and most victims are young females.
On some occasions, it is used for blackmail, with the threat that images will be posted – or if they are already online not removed – until a sum of money is paid or the victim agrees to resume the relationship.
There are three main forums used to share such explicit images:
- Social media sites. Twitter and Facebook have both recently strengthened their policies about revenge porn and those who post it.
- Specialised revenge porn websites and forums
- Direct messaging to the victim and third parties by email or text
In February 2015, revenge porn became a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.
The risks
- An ex-partner (or somebody else) posting or otherwise sharing explicit/intimate images of you, causing at worst extreme distress or at best, embarrassment.
- Becoming the victim of financial or emotional blackmail.
- If it is you that perpetrate an act of revenge porn, the very real possibility of:
- Being convicted of a criminal offence, with a possible prison sentence of up to two years.
- Causing considerable distress to your victim, with potentially tragic results to them and their family.
Do remember that however close you are to somebody, things may change and any photos or videos shot whilst in a relationship could feasibly be shared with others.
If you are a victim of revenge porn
- Do not respond to blackmail threats.
- Report it to the police.
- If it appears on a website or social media site, report the images to the site, ask for them to be removed and the perpetrator to be blocked.
- To seek support and advice contact the Revenge Porn Helpline at www.swgfl.org.uk/products-services/esafety/revenge-porn-helpline or by calling 0845 6000 459. The helpline is operated by the South West Grid for Learning.
- Do not be too embarrassed or ashamed to report revenge porn, as you could be helping yourself as well as other actual or potential victims.
BBC Crimewatch – Sextortion Report from Get Safe Online on Vimeo.
If you’ve experienced cybercrime, you can contact the charity Victim Support for free and confidential support and information.
