Bystander Intervention and “Revenge Porn” in the Time of Coronavirus
Across the world, people are staying at home to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. Headlines are reporting an increase in intimate partner violence during this period, reminding all of us that for some people home is not a safe place. Pornography usage is also up, especially given that pornography megasite Pornhub has given out free premium access to further inspire people to stay home. However, there has been ongoing reporting that much of the pornography on Pornhub and other sites was not recorded and/or shared consensually, an act of sexual violence called “revenge porn.”
What is Revenge Porn?
“Revenge porn” is an umbrella term for nonconsensual sharing of sexual images or video. These videos or images could have been recorded consensually and later shared without consent or could have been recorded furtively or found by hacking someone’s computer or phone. The “revenge porn” is then posted publicly, often on websites, and sometimes with the victim’s contact information, social media sites, or address, so that the victim can be further harassed and humiliated. The issue with “revenge porn” is the lack of consent in the distribution of the images, not in the existence of the images themselves.
Here are some ways to be a pro-social bystander if you encounter “revenge porn:”
If you see “revenge porn” on a website or disseminated through social media, report the post. Pornhub’s reporting option is available here, and here is relevant advice on how to report and remove material that is nonconsensual or causes harm. There might also be legal options to pursue depending on state law.
If someone sends you “revenge porn,” let them know that sending sexual pictures or videos of someone without their consent is abusive. By disrupting the text chat or social media thread, you will lead others to chime in and can stop the dissemination of the “revenge porn” from escalating.
If “revenge porn” is shared in your online communities (like GroupMe conversations, text chains, in a Houseparty or Zoom gathering, on SnapChat), report it to the admin or connect with your friends or acquaintances about how “revenge porn” is unacceptable and prevents these spaces from being safe for everyone.
If you view pornography, access it directly from the person who is distributing it through their accounts or website.
If you know the person who has been targeted for “revenge porn,” reach out to them without judgment to provide support and ask how you can help.
Remember that “revenge porn” is a form of sexual violence. Share resources like The National Sexual Assault Hotline [available both through online chat and by phone at 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)] or direct them to telehealth counseling.
Raise awareness of “revenge porn” in online prevention messaging and discuss how to intervene.
Advocate that websites and apps create and enforce policies that ban “revenge porn.” “Revenge porn” is simply a form of gender-based violence facilitated using new technology. Those who are stewards of that technology have a responsibility to ensure that they’re not perpetuating violence. They will be more likely to respond if customers agitate for change.
Through taking these small actions, we can shift away from a culture that enables “revenge porn” and excuses those who host and post and towards a culture in which all forms of violence are unacceptable.
LB Klein, MSW, MPA is director of trainer development and a lead trainer with Soteria Solutions. She is also a PhD candidate and injury and violence prevention fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Prevention Innovations Research Center Fellow at the University of New Hampshire.
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