Explicit images shared without consent can ruin the reputations of victims and are prompting calls for increased legal action.
Non-consensual porn (NCP), otherwise known as ‘revenge porn’, involves sharing intimate images online without the other party’s consent. In addition to causing major damage to the victim’s relationships and their professional reputation, the public humiliation and violation of their privacy can threaten their physical and emotional health. Unfortunately, once these images are online, they are impossible to completely erase. As experienced Atlanta sex crime attorneys, we represent clients in these types of cases. While Georgia laws may be limited in addressing the situation, federal laws are being discussed which could help victims obtain justice.
Revenge Porn and Its Effects on Victims
As a nationally recognized law firm, Ghanayem & Rayasam represents some high-profile clients. One of these is Lindsie Chrisley, whose family appears as part of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best on the USA Network. Lindsie retained us after being threatened with an alleged sex tape that she never consented to, nor knew existed. The situation caused her to question the close relationships she previously had with family members.
It started back in August 2019, when Lindsie filed a police report in Georgia claiming that her father and brother were threatening her with public exposure of a sex tape featuring her and one of the contestants on The Bachelor reality show. Since then, the story has been splashed across celebrity gossip sites such as TMZ and featured on the entertainment sections of news broadcasts, including Fox News. Musa M.Ghanayem is representing her in the case.
Laws Relating to Revenge Porn Crimes
In Ms. Chrisley’s case, the video and the threat of having the private images it contains exposed on a national level have caused untold heartache and pain. She is not alone. The Pew Research Center reports that nearly 15% of adults in their 20s have had explicit images posted online without their consent. One of these is California Rep. Katie Hill, who was forced to resign in October 2019 after her disgruntled ex-husband engaged in revenge porn and posted pictures of her from an affair.
Georgia is one of 46 states that have passed laws regarding revenge porn, which is referred to as non-consensual porn (NCP) by advocates. Unfortunately, these laws have proven largely ineffective as penalties vary (in Georgia, publishing NCP is a misdemeanor charge while some other states consider it a felony) and only apply to incidents that occur within the state. Due to the far-reaching effects of the internet and these crimes, tougher federal laws to address the situation are being considered.
Our Atlanta Sex Crime Attorneys are Here to Help
At Ghanayem & Rayasam, we understand the impacts revenge porn has on victims and are dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable. If you are a victim of this type of crime, call or contact our Atlanta sex crime attorneys and request a consultation today.