Revenge porn and the law

While legislative amendments take time and concerted effort – we leave women in an extremely vulnerable position without the law to protect them from the distribution of such material. And we leave domestic violence perpetrators playing havoc with the social, career and relationships aspects of a victim's life.

What makes Revenge Porn so appealing to domestic violence perpetrators is the ease and accessibility of committing this "revenge". With the burgeoning world of cyber space, and cyber crime; a domestic violence perpetrator can remain in the comforts of their home while intimidating and harassing their victim. From the click of a button – sexually explicit material can be made available on the World Wide Web; and can cause instantaneous devastation. The psychological damage is immeasurable.

The law cannot possibly match the rapid moving pace of the increasing nature and number of cyber crimes – but this leaves a wide gap in terms of the protection offered for domestic violence victims at this current time. Without criminalizing Revenge Porn, women really are vulnerable and susceptible to this atrocious act to continue.

When Revenge Porn is criminalized in its entirety in both State and Federal arenas; there can be some relief for those women who are threatened with; or who have been the victims of; this heinous act. Those that seek to distribute Revenge Porn will be held to account for their actions.

Besides the obvious moral and ethical voids of a person distributing such content without the consent of the victim; when Revenge Porn is criminalised -there will be a crime to answer for.