The evolution of technology has made it easier and faster to distribute “revenge porn,” which is media containing sexually explicit content that is spread without the consent of the subject. North Carolina should catch up and pass legislation to ban this form of sexual violence.
Under UNC’s sexual assault policy, sexual exploitation is considered a form of sexual or gender-based harassment. It includes taking advantage of another person’s sexuality without consent, which is not addressed under state law.
This definition of exploitation covers revenge porn. If a recipient distributes media without consent of all parties involved, then they have committed a form of sexual violence.
Some argue such laws would not prevent the consequences victims face should their media be disseminated. These laws would not stop the stigmatization of those whose photos surface on the internet, nor stop employers from firing individuals who are victims.
A law should not be recognized as the only solution to a culture that views sexual violence as inevitable and victims culpable of their experiences. Efforts must be made from many different angles in order to shift rape culture, but legislation is one of them.
Such legislation against revenge porn is a relatively recent phenomenon. So far about 16 states have passed laws criminalizing it.
As a state, we should follow their example.
