Edly-Allen Legislation Adds Protections for Victims of Revenge Porn

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, is sponsoring new legislation to better protect victims of revenge porn.

“Disseminating, sharing or posting private images of someone without their consent is an egregious violation of privacy,” said Edly-Allen. “The consequences go far beyond embarrassment. For victims, this violation of privacy can result in loss of income, professional harm, severe emotional distress, and legal fees.”

Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a criminal Class 4 felony offense punishable by up to 3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Edly-Allen’s measure allows victims to pursue civil damages, including economic, non-economic and punitive. Senate Bill 1507 also allows victims to have their names redacted or use a pseudonym in court documents to protect their identity and privacy.  Edly-Allen also recently voted to pass House Bill 2408, which makes it easier for revenge porn victims to have their compromising images removed from websites and social networking sites.

“Revenge porn, including the threat of revenge porn, is a form of sexual abuse and needs to be taken seriously,” Edly-Allen added. “That means both holding the perpetrators fully accountable for their actions, and also taking meaningful steps to help victims recover from this criminal violation of privacy.”