Unlawful revenge porn or non-consensual pornography impacts the life of the victim in some fairly large ways. In some cases, victims respond with extreme measures, such as committing suicide, rather than seeking help or consulting a lawyer. Since revenge pornography threatens the self-esteem and sometimes the livelihood of victims, unlawful revenge porn influences the victim in many ways.

Specifically, revenge porn involves the sharing of intimate photographs or videos of an individual without their permission. These photographs or videos usually show the individual in a state of nudity or engaging in a sexual act.

Thankfully, Pennsylvania passed legislation making revenge porn illegal. Since Act 115 of 2014 established this offense as “unlawful dissemination of intimate image,” it is illegal to share non-consensual pornography through any website, text message, or other type of social media.

What are the Effects of Revenge Pornography?

Although revenge pornography in any form with or without identifying information is harmful to the victim, revenge porn with contact information intensifies the negative influences of the revenge porn. After all, identifying information takes the problem from the virtual world to your front door. Unfortunately, most cases of revenge pornography include identifying information.

Identifying Information

• Full name
• Links to social media accounts
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Home address
• Work address
• Social security number

Effects of Revenge Porn

As revenge porn gains momentum and media time, more and more stories reveal how non-consensual porn effects victims. Although some people post their own nude photos online and profess freedom in it, those who have suffered non-consensual pornography confess many different responses and feelings to it. Since the effects of revenge porn vary, we’ve included the following list to represent some of these effects. Of course, every individual experience differs, and this list is not all-inclusive.

• emotional distress
• job loss
• loss of current relationships
• harassment and stalking
• humiliation
• paranoia/hyper-vigilance
• body shame
• vulnerable to blackmail

What Can I Do as a Victim of Revenge Pornography?

If you have been victimized, do not hesitate to contact an revenge porn lawyer because a lawyer navigates your case through the legal system and negotiates for damages. Since legislation in Pennsylvania now allows you to take legal action against your offender, you deserve to be represented by an experienced and highly dedicated legal professional in this difficult and stressful time. Moreover, we have created 12 Steps to Dealing with Revenge Porn Photos.

Possible Damages for Revenge Pornography

1. Actual damages resulting from the incident OR $500, whichever is greater
2. Reasonable attorney fees and court costs
3. Any additional relief the court deems “necessary and proper”

While damages includes loss of money, reputation, or property, the court may award you up to three times your actual damages, should it so choose. For example, if you lose your job as a result of the incident and you calculate the loss of $1000, the court might award you up to $3000. To learn more about damages, check out: Revenge Porn: What Damages Am I Entitled To?

Contact KM&A

The attorneys at KM&A are outstanding advocates for their clients because we will fight to make sure you are awarded all damages that the law allows. Also, KM&A represents clients in all counties in Pennsylvania. For a free and immediate consultation with a KM&A attorney, call us in Pittsburgh at (412) 626-5626 or in Philadelphia at (215) 618-9185. We can also be reached by email at lawyer@lawkm.com.