Revenge Porn In Pennsylvania: What You Should Know

Revenge porn is a form of sexual assault in which an individual, usually an ex-partner, distributes sexually explicit photos or videos of another individual without his or her consent. Gross, right?

The media is usually distributed online and can include photographs or videos of an individual who is nude or engaged in a sexual activity, for example. The idea behind revenge porn is that an individual can humiliate, harass, or otherwise harm a partner, or ex-partner. The widespread distribution of revenge porn led to legislation that legally defines and criminalizes the act.

If someone posted sexually explicit photographs of you without your consent, you can now take legal action. Do not hesitate to contact a KM&A attorney right away.

What Law Addresses Revenge Porn In Pennsylvania?

Act 115 of 2014 is a Pennsylvania law that amends Titles 18 and 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This act makes “unlawful dissemination of an intimate image” an offense in the Commonwealth. An individual commits this offense when, “with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm a current or former sexual or intimate partner, the person disseminates a visual depiction of the current or former sexual or intimate partner in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct.”

Thanks to Act 115 of 2014 in Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to post revenge porn to any website, send it via email or text message, or share it via social media like Facebook or Twitter.

If someone shared sexually explicit photos or video of you, without your consent, you now have a civil cause of action and can seek legal remedy in the Commonwealth.

What Damages Can Be Awarded In A Revenge Porn Case?

Damages include loss of money, reputation, or property, whether real or personal. The court may award up to three times the actual damages sustained, but no less than $500. For example, the loss of your job as a result of your former partner’s posts would be considered damage. Therefore, your damages include lost wages and any other expenses you incurred as a result.

You can bring civil action to recover damages for any loss or injury you sustained as a result of the offense. The court may award:

  1. Actual damages arising from the incident or $500, whichever is greater
  2. Reasonable attorney fees and court costs
  3. Additional relief the court deems “necessary and proper”

What Should I Do If I Am A Victim Of Revenge Porn?

First of all, take a breath. You are not alone. Revenge porn is common, and the rising numbers propelled the government to create laws to protect your online sexual privacy.

Assess the damage. Search your name in an internet search engine. This will show you how far the photos have gone through the internet. Another website that is often used by angry exes is myex.com, but be prepared, it is not safe for work.

Contact a revenge porn lawyer. Even if your ex has only threatened to post nude photos of you online, a lawyer can stop the problem before it begins. Once photos are online, the problem explodes. Your lawyer manages the situation respectfully and fights for your sexual privacy.

Contact KM&A

If you believe you have a case, do not hesitate to contact an attorney. The attorneys at KM&A are highly experienced, outstanding advocates for their clients and will fight to ensure that you are awarded all damages that the law allows. KM&A represents clients across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Call an attorney in Pittsburgh at (412) 626-5626 or in Philadelphia at (215) 618-9185 for a free and immediate consultation. We can also be reached by email at lawyer@lawkm.com.

Be sure to get the representation you deserve.