Can You Sue for Revenge Porn?

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Can I Sue Someone for Posting Revenge Porn Content?

Oct 2, 2023

The nonconsensual posting of intimate images or videos is commonly referred to as revenge porn (or image-based sexual abuse). In 2013, California became the first state to officially criminalize the sharing and distribution of sexually explicit images without consent. But while a criminal charge against a revenge porn perpetrator may be pursued by the local District Attorney’s Office, many survivors of this type of crime are interested in civil remedies to help secure justice and hold the responsible party or parties accountable.

Can You Sue for Revenge Porn?

In the sections below, we will discuss how to sue someone for revenge porn under California civil law.

Can I Sue for Revenge Porn in California?

California law affords survivors of revenge porn and other forms of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) options for securing justice as well as financial compensation. By pursuing civil lawsuits against those responsible for distributing intimate content without consent, survivors can recover damages awards.

When you file your revenge porn lawsuit with the experienced attorneys at Dordulian Law Group, we will fight aggressively to secure all applicable damages for your case, such as:

  • Emotional trauma
  • Counseling or therapy expenses (past and future)
  • Any related medical care costs/expenses (past and future – including prescription medications)
  • Punitive damages
  • Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Costs involved in expunging the nonconsensual material from the internet

Revenge porn or nonconsensual intimate material is often distributed across multiple platforms or channels:

  • Specialized revenge porn websites or apps
  • Social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc.)
  • Via email, text, or messaging services
  • Shared with specific individuals (such as the victim’s family or employers)

A California revenge porn civil lawsuit can be a means of securing justice, financial compensation, and peace of mind for survivors by assisting in removal of this material.

How Can I Get My Revenge Porn Images Off the Internet?

The process of removing intimate images shared without your consent from various internet platforms can be a part of your civil claim. Many platforms – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Google, etc. – have complaint forms and other means of removing content which was posted without consent. Additionally, Take it Down and StopNCII.org are two websites devoted specifically to helping survivors of revenge porn and IBSA remove nonconsensual intimate material.

When you contact Dordulian Law Group’s (DLG) top-rated revenge porn lawyers for a free consultation, we will review your case and provide you with an overview of all available legal options, including pursuing financial compensation and taking action to expunge all of your nonconsensual content from the internet.

How to File a Revenge Porn Lawsuit

In California, it is illegal to distribute intimate images of someone without his or her consent. The law also states that if the disseminator acts with intent which could cause emotional harm or distress to the victim, legal remedies may be pursued.

Additionally, it’s important to note that revenge porn can include:

  • Images which were obtained secretively (without the victim ever knowing they were being filmed/photographed)
  • Images initially obtained consensually (e.g. through an intimate relationship) but without permission to distribute online

Even if you shared nude or sexually explicit images with someone, if that person then distributed the content online without your consent, you may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit (in addition to any criminal charges which may be filed).

To begin the process of filing your revenge porn lawsuit, contact DLG today by calling 866-GO-SEE-SAM.

Sam Dordulian, California’s Expert Revenge Porn Attorney

Sam Dordulian is a former sex crimes prosecutor who obtained life sentences against countless predators while serving as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. Today, Dordulian fights for justice in civil court on behalf of revenge porn survivors, victims of image-based sexual abuse, and survivors of sexual assault.

Last year, Sam Dordulian appeared on the Dr. Phil Show to discuss how victims of revenge porn can pursue justice against perpetrators. Together with survivors of revenge porn and other types of image-based sexual abuse, Dordulian explained to Dr. Phil how these cases can lead to maximum financial compensation for victims of revenge porn and all forms of nonconsensual IBSA.

Do I Have to File a Police Report to Get Revenge Porn Taken Down?

Depending on the circumstances related to your unique case, filing a police report may be beneficial in removing revenge porn material. However, some survivors prefer to not file police reports but can still pursue legal action by contacting DLG’s revenge porn attorneys. We will be able answer any questions you have and provide information related to the best course of action for both having your revenge porn content removed and pursuing justice on your own terms.

How Long Do I Have to File a Revenge Porn Lawsuit?

Victims of revenge porn are encouraged to pursue their claims immediately after discovering that images or videos have been distributed without their consent. Revenge porn material can be disseminated widely across platforms in a short period of time, and taking action as soon as possible can help ensure a swift and successful expungement process.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that victims of revenge porn have a limited window of time to file civil claims for financial compensation. In California, you have two years from the date of discovering that intimate images or videos were posted online without your consent.

DLG’s revenge porn lawyers strongly encourage all victims to come forward and file their claims immediately. Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM for a free and confidential consultation.

There is never any upfront fee or obligation for our revenge porn legal representation – you pay nothing until after we’ve successfully secured a maximum damages award for your case.

How Much is My Revenge Porn Case Worth?

The value of your revenge porn civil claim will depend on various factors, such as the extent of liability, the harm endured, the number of images posted, etc. Recent revenge porn lawsuits have led to substantial financial damages awards for victims.

In August, a Texas jury awarded a woman $1.2 billion in a revenge porn case after her ex-boyfriend posted intimate images and hacked her private accounts

If you are the victim of any of the following:

  • Nonconsensual pornography
  • Image-based sexual abuse
  • Revenge pornography
  • Deepfake pornography
  • AI-generated intimate content

Contact our top-rated team of expert sexual abuse attorneys online or by phone today to pursue justice and secure a financial award for damages.

Contact Dordulian Law Group today to take the first step towards securing the justice you deserve.

Spanish version:¿Se puede demandar por pornografía de venganza?

Author

Samuel Dordulian

Samuel Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.




Go See Sam