Revenge porn is the practice of uploading online explicit images – specifically photos and videos – of ex-partners (or even current partners) without their consent.

The images are generally taken during an intimate relationship. Images are sometimes accompanied by personal details such as the victim’s address and phone number.

As the name suggests, those who post revenge porn do so mainly to ‘get back’ at having been rejected or what they consider to be some other kind of injustice. Although there is no hard and fast rule, the majority of perpetrators are male and most victims are young females.

On some occasions, it is used for blackmail, with the threat that images will be posted – or if they are already online not removed – until a sum of money is paid or the victim agrees to resume the relationship.

There are three main forums used to share such explicit images:

• Social media sites. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have recently strengthened their policies about revenge porn and those who post it.
• Specialised revenge porn websites and forums
• Direct messaging to the victim and third parties by email or text

Key points:

• Do not be too embarrassed or ashamed to report revenge porn.
• Remember that even the closest relationships can sometimes go wrong and that intimate images could be shared against your will at some time in the future.

The risks:

• An ex-partner (or somebody else) posting or otherwise sharing explicit/intimate images of you, causing at worst extreme distress or at best, embarrassment.
• Becoming the victim of financial or emotional blackmail.

If it is you that perpetrate an act of revenge porn, the very real possibility of:

• Being convicted of a criminal offence, with a possible prison sentence.
• Causing considerable distress to your victim, with potentially tragic results to them and their family.

Do remember that however close you are to somebody, things may change and any photos or videos shot whilst in a relationship could feasibly be shared with others.