LEGAL HELP FOR CYBER ABUSE AND REVENGE PORN SURVIVORS
Providing free legal representation to survivors of tech-based sexual harm
Cyber sexual abuse is a type of sexual exploitation where an offender uses the internet to sexually harm someone. Often this involves sharing—or threatening to share—sexually explicit images or videos, or using technology to stalk or harass a victim. CAASE’s free attorneys can help survivors of cyber sexual abuse such as:
- revenge porn, also known as non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images
- sextortion
- sexualized online harassment
- sexualized cyber stalking
Learn more about the different types of cyber sexual abuse below. Survivors can contact CAASE to explore their legal options.
Revenge Porn
“Revenge porn” is when someone shares, or threatens to share, sexually explicit images or videos of you without your consent. This can be done by email, text, social media, posts on websites, and more. Legally, revenge porn is referred to as “nonconsensual dissemination.” Some examples of revenge porn include:
- an abusive boyfriend threatening to send around your nude photos if you try to leave the relationship
- a partner who set up hidden cameras in the bedroom to record videos and posted them online without your knowledge
- an offender tormenting you with photos they took of you unconscious during a sexual assault
It doesn’t matter if you took the picture consensually, or shared it with the offender consensually. If photos or videos are being spread without your consent, you have rights.
Sextortion
“Sextortion” is when someone threatens to reveal nude photos or other evidence of sexual activity unless you provide something of value, like money or sexual favors. Sextortion can look like:
- a stranger hacking your computer for nude photos and threatening to share them with your social media contacts unless you send them money
- an offender posing as an online dater who convinces you to send a photo, then threatens to post it unless you send more and film yourself engaging in sex acts
- a partner taking photos of you nude without your knowledge and threatening to send them to your friends and family unless you perform certain sex acts
Cyber Stalking and Harassment
“Cyber stalking” is when someone uses the internet to repeatedly contact you in a manner that causes you to fear for your safety or suffer emotional distress. Sometimes this behavior will not rise to the level of stalking, but it can still be considered cyber harassment. Examples of cyber stalking and harassment include:
- an acquaintance sending repeated and unwanted threats over text, social media, or email after you turned down their request for a date
- a stranger slipping a GPS device in your purse and using it to track your location and follow you home
- an ex-partner posting your contact information online and encouraging people to sexually harass you over the internet or even in person
Cyber sexual abuse is a growing problem in the United States. As quickly as new technologies are being rolled out, they are being used to perpetuate abuse. If someone is contacting you in a way that is making you feel unsafe, even if it does not fall into one of the categories listed above, contact CAASE to see if we can help.
Getting Legal Help
CAASE provides free legal representation for both civil and criminal cases in response to sexual harm, including cyber sexual abuse. If you’re a survivor of cyber sexual abuse in Cook County, IL, are aged 13+, and want help exploring your rights, please contact us at 773-244-2230, ext. 205, or email legal@caase.org to learn more or schedule a consultation.
In addition to contacting CAASE, you can learn more about what steps you can take in response to cyber sexual abuse here.