New York Attorneys Specializing in Unlawful Distribution of Intimate Images and Revenge Porn
Advocating for Justice: Helping Victims of Revenge Porn and the Unlawful Distribution of Sexual Images Navigate New York’s Legal Protections to Secure Accountability and Compensation. 212-540-HURTFREE CONSULTATION
In recent years, New York has taken significant steps to address the issue of non-consensual sharing of explicit or intimate images, commonly known as “revenge porn” or “sextortion.” These cases have gained widespread attention as the internet and social media platforms make it easier for private images or videos to be shared without consent, often causing immense emotional, psychological, and reputational harm to the victims.
The unlawful distribution of illicit and sexual images is a serious offense in New York, and the state has implemented both criminal and civil laws to protect victims from these harmful acts. If you or someone you know has been the victim of non-consensual sharing of intimate images, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the remedies available to you. Whether you are seeking criminal prosecution of the perpetrator or pursuing civil damages for emotional distress, New York’s laws offer significant protections for victims.
What is the Unlawful Distribution of Illicit or Sexual Images?
The unlawful distribution of illicit or sexual images generally refers to the act of distributing, sharing, or disseminating sexually explicit images or videos without the consent of the person depicted. This can occur in several forms, including:
- Sharing intimate or explicit images of someone online without their consent, whether on social media, websites, or through messaging apps.
- Distributing private images or videos with malicious intent, often as an act of revenge or harassment (often referred to as revenge porn).
- Sharing intimate images obtained through deceit, manipulation, or coercion, such as through a dating app or while in a relationship.
These actions are harmful to the victim, causing emotional distress, damage to personal relationships, loss of privacy, and severe reputational harm. In some cases, victims may face bullying, harassment, or even threats, particularly if the images are shared widely or posted on publicly accessible websites.
Civil Lawsuits for Emotional Distress and Damages
In addition to criminal penalties, New York law also provides victims with the opportunity to pursue a civil lawsuit for the harm caused by the unlawful distribution of intimate images. A civil lawsuit allows the victim to seek monetary damages for their emotional distress, reputational harm, and other consequences resulting from the dissemination of intimate images.
The New York Injury Law Firm PLLC is one of the few law firms in all of New York to have successfully prosecuted this type of action in Civil Supreme Court.
Civil Lawsuits for Emotional Distress and Damages
In addition to criminal penalties, New York law also provides victims with the opportunity to pursue a civil lawsuit for the harm caused by the unlawful distribution of intimate images. A civil lawsuit allows the victim to seek monetary damages for their emotional distress, reputational harm, and other consequences resulting from the dissemination of intimate images.
Civil claims for the unlawful distribution of sexual images can include claims for:
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): If the perpetrator’s actions were extreme and outrageous and resulted in significant emotional distress, the victim can pursue a claim for IIED.
- Invasion of Privacy: Sharing intimate or private images without consent can be an invasion of the victim’s privacy. Victims can pursue damages for this violation, particularly if the images were shared in a way that violated their reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Defamation: If the unlawful distribution of images leads to harm to the victim’s reputation or causes them to be publicly ridiculed or humiliated, they may pursue a defamation claim.
- Negligence: In some cases, a victim may claim that the defendant’s failure to protect their intimate images led to harm, such as when a website or platform negligently allowed the sharing of such images.
New York Civil Rights Law Section 50 and 51 also provides the framework for victims to pursue claims for unauthorized commercial use of their name or likeness.
If intimate images were shared or used for commercial purposes without consent, the victim may be entitled to damages under these provisions.
A plaintiff can pursue a lawsuit to seek damages for abuse at the hands of a Revenge Porn distributor. Codified in New York Civil Rights Law 52-b, a judge or jury can award injunctive relief, exemplary damages, compensatory damages and reasonable court costs and attorney’s fees.
Steps to Take If You’re a Victim of Unlawful Distribution of Sexual Images
If you are the victim of the unlawful distribution of intimate or sexual images, it’s important to take immediate action:
Document the Incident
Keep copies of any messages, social media posts, emails, or other communications that show the images were shared without your consent.
Report the Incident
Contact your local law enforcement to report the distribution of illicit images. If you are a minor or the images were shared through a website or platform, report it to the platform as well.
Consult with an Attorney
Speak with a personal injury attorney who specializes in cyber harassment, privacy law, or sexual image distribution cases. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, file a civil lawsuit, and navigate the complexities of New York’s laws surrounding non-consensual image sharing.
The unlawful distribution of illicit and sexual images is a serious violation of personal privacy and can cause significant emotional and psychological harm to victims. In New York, both criminal and civil laws provide victims with strong avenues to seek justice and compensation. Whether you choose to pursue criminal charges, civil damages, or both, you have the right to take action against those who maliciously share private, intimate images without your consent.
Take Control of Your Rights and Privacy. Contact Your Trusted New York Attorneys Now
If you are a victim of this type of harm, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and there are legal remedies available to help you recover from the damage caused by the unlawful distribution of intimate images.
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