Revenge Porn: Unmasking Digital Violence Legal Remedies for Image-Based Sexual Abuse

Image-based sexual abuse (also referred to as “revenge porn”) is a growing legal issue, and attorneys play a crucial role in securing justice for survivors. Statistics show that nearly 1 in 12 adults in the U.S. has experienced threats or the sharing of intimate images without their permission. This program will equip lawyers with the tools to effectively navigate civil and criminal remedies and advocate for their clients’ rights. With laws rapidly developing to address digital privacy violations, this training will prepare attorneys to use a variety of legal avenues to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors regain control over their lives.

This program will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal tools available to help survivors of image-based sexual abuse seek justice. Attorneys will learn about civil remedies, including VAWA’s Civil Action Relating to Disclosure of Intimate Images (15 U.S.C.S. § 6851), state law claims, and gender-motivated violence claims. The course will also cover how survivors can protect their privacy in litigation, including the ability to sue anonymously in civil proceedings. In addition, attorneys will gain insight into the role of criminal laws in addressing image-based sexual abuse and the importance of advocating for survivors as they navigate interactions with law enforcement.

This program is intended for attorneys at all levels who want to expand their knowledge of legal remedies for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. It will provide practical guidance for attorneys working in civil litigation, criminal law, victims' rights, domestic violence advocacy, and related fields who may encounter these cases in their practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize what constitutes image-based sexual abuse and the legal issues it presents
• Identify key civil remedies for survivors of image-based sexual abuse, including VAWA’s Civil Action Relating to Disclosure of Intimate Images (15 U.S.C.S. § 6851), state law claims, and gender-motivated violence claims
• Evaluate legal options for protecting a survivor’s privacy in litigation, including the ability to file civil lawsuits anonymously
• Analyze the role of criminal laws in addressing image-based sexual abuse and develop strategies for advocating for survivors as they interact with law enforcement