While you may be familiar with the term “revenge porn”—a shorthand term that generally refers to the nonconsensual sharing or distribution of one’s sexual or intimate images—many individuals are not aware of a very significant new law that Congress passed in 2022 providing victims with the ability to obtain financial compensation for victims of revenge porn, including significant monetary compensation from their perpetrators. In fact, the law provides that qualifying victims may bring a civil action in federal court against their perpetrator and may recover the actual damages sustained by the individual or liquidated damages in the amount of $150,000, and the cost of the action, including reasonable attorney’s fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.
Because this law is relatively new and has only been in effect since October of 2022, many are unaware that it exists and that it can provide a powerful means for victims to seek legal recourse against those who have violated their trust. Despite its recency, however, federal district courts across the country have recognized and applied this new law to situations where victims filed suit claiming that their intimate images were shared without consent.
In addition to the monetary damages that can be recovered, a victim who brings a civil action pursuant to this federal statute may also request that the court order equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or a permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease display or disclosure of the non-consensual pornography. Notably, the statute also includes a provision which allows a court to permit a victim who files suit to proceed under a pseudonym in order to maintain the victim’s confidentiality.
If you have been the victim of “revenge porn” or you have had intimate visual images or videos of you shared without your consent, the Dornan Law Team has experienced federal litigators who can help you confidentially navigate your options and assist you in seeking all of the remedies you are entitled to under this new law, including financial compensation for victims of revenge porn, such as the potential to seek liquidated damages in the amount of $150,000. Please contact us to set up a free and private consultation.
