Revenge. Pornography. Two ugly words on their own, but when put together, revenge pornography can cause devastating personal trauma, emotional pain, even depression and suicide. Revenge pornography can ruin careers, relationships, families, communities, and entire lives.

When you are having fun… Be wise.

Defined, revenge porn is the result of a relationship gone bad. When things are going great and partners are having fun taking pictures or videos, no one suspects that those images would be used for anything more than private pleasure, flirty fun or a memento of a great hook-up.  Then suddenly, images show up online without the consent of the person in the photo. The poster’s intentions are usually to harm, humiliate and cause emotional distress to their ex-partner as friends, family and colleagues see them at their most vulnerable, naked or in a sexually compromising situation. With easy access to cell phone cameras, pictures can be taken without anyone even knowing.

If pictures are taken…
Current legal recourse in the U.K., thanks to a new law, states that posting/sharing any image without the consent of the subject is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in jail. Don’t get me wrong…this is a great start. However, it doesn’t do enough as yet. It doesn’t get the pictures taken down. The hosting site can keep the posts up and unless the photos were copyrighted the victim continues to suffer while the hosting website rakes in the profits. The victims don’t get justice or closure.

A civil law has been proposed to force sites to take down the photos with or without copyright. Victims could then pursue sites for damages in significant amounts. Hopefully this would deter sites from posting sexual content without verifying consent. Consent should also be able to be withdrawn if the subject changes their mind and decides not to have the images posted anymore. 

To avoid getting into a revenge porn situation, Life Design Salon wants you to be aware that revenge porn is out there, and it can happen to anyone. When you are having fun, at a party, at a bar or in a bedroom, be professional, stay alert and stay safe. Just like watching your drink at the bar to ensure no one drugs it, you need to be alert for photos. Be wise in your own use of alcohol, as it lowers your awareness of the potential for revenge porn. If pictures are taken, have them copyrighted. Remember that even the most trustworthy friend could be tempted to post your intimate photos. 

What can you do?
Should you find your private images online, report the poster immediately for criminal charges. Though there is no civil law in effect at present, become part of getting this law enacted. No one is immune. Workplace colleagues, neighbours, men and women, and particularly teens and pre-teens need to be made aware of the possibility of this happening. Parents, talk to your kids.  

LADIES, 
If you find yourself experiencing this or any other kind of assault that is affecting your happiness and progress, please be reassured that you can share safely, be supported and seek healing and justice at the Safety lounge with me (Gwen).

Click here to get in touch with Gwen today. 

Inspired by Gwen Cover. Written by Diana Schreiber Murdoch.

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