Civil Remedies for Revenge Porn Victims in Maryland: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options

Introduction: Maryland’s Legal Protections Against Revenge Porn

If someone has shared your private, intimate photos or videos without consent, you are the victim of revenge porn — also called the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images.This deeply violating act is not only a crime in Maryland but also a civil wrong, meaning you have the right to sue the offender for emotional, psychological, and financial damages.

Under Maryland law, victims of revenge porn have powerful civil remedies that allow them to take control, restore their reputation, and hold the perpetrator accountable.

If your intimate images were shared, posted online, or sent to others without permission, you have rights — and Maryland law provides strong avenues for justice and recovery.

What Is Revenge Porn Under Maryland Law?

Maryland’s revenge porn law is found in the Criminal Law Article § 3-809, which prohibits the nonconsensual distribution of private sexual images.

The law makes it a crime to intentionally distribute any visual representation of another person that:

• Exposes their intimate parts or depicts a sexual act,

• Was created under circumstances with a reasonable expectation of privacy, and

• Is shared without the person’s consent and with the intent to harm, harass, or embarrass them.

  
  

But beyond the criminal statute, victims can file civil lawsuits for damages — a powerful step that puts control back into the survivor’s hands.

Civil Remedies for Revenge Porn Victims in Maryland

In 2023 and 2024, Maryland strengthened its laws to give survivors the ability to file civil claims directly against offenders, including cases involving deepfakes or AI-generated intimate images (Maryland SB360 / Chapter 219).

Here are the key civil remedies available under Maryland law:

1. File a Civil Lawsuit for Damages

Victims may sue the person who shared or distributed their images. You do not need a criminal conviction to bring a civil claim.Through a civil lawsuit, you can seek:

• Compensatory damages for emotional distress, humiliation, therapy costs, and lost income,

• Punitive damages to punish malicious and intentional behavior,

• Attorney’s fees and litigation costs, and

• Court orders (injunctions) requiring removal of the images and prohibiting future sharing.

  
  

2. Injunctive Relief (Court-Ordered Removal)

Courts in Maryland can issue injunctions to:

• Force websites, individuals, or social media platforms to take down intimate content, and

• Prohibit the defendant from sharing or reposting the material in the future.

These orders are often granted quickly, especially when the content is still online and causing harm.

3. Protection of Victim Identity

Maryland courts allow victims to file civil revenge porn lawsuits under pseudonyms (like Jane Doe) to protect their privacy.This ensures that survivors can pursue justice without having their names made public in court documents.

4. Damages for Emotional and Psychological Harm

Civil remedies recognize the devastating mental and emotional toll of revenge porn. Victims may recover compensation for:

• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD,

• Embarrassment and reputational harm,

• Lost career or educational opportunities,

• Medical or therapy expenses,

• Loss of relationships or social standing.

Additional Civil Claims Available to Victims in Maryland

Even beyond Maryland’s specific revenge porn statute, victims may have other legal claims that increase their ability to recover compensation. These include:

1. Invasion of Privacy (Public Disclosure of Private Facts) – When intimate content is shared without consent.

2. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) – For deliberate acts meant to cause severe emotional suffering.

3. Defamation – If false statements accompany the images or damage your reputation.

4. Harassment or Cyberstalking – Under Maryland’s harassment and electronic communications laws.

5. Copyright Claims – If you took or own the photo, you may have copyright ownership and can demand removal under federal law.

Why Civil Remedies Are So Important

While criminal prosecution can punish offenders, civil remedies empower victims to reclaim control and rebuild their lives.

Civil revenge porn lawsuits help victims:

• Hold perpetrators financially accountable

• Force immediate image removal

• Recover compensation for emotional suffering

• Send a powerful message that digital abuse has consequences

  
  

These remedies are designed to restore power and privacy to those whose most intimate moments were violated.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Revenge Porn in Maryland

If your private images have been shared without consent, it’s critical to act quickly and strategically. Here’s what you should do:

1. Preserve Evidence

• Take screenshots of all posts, links, messages, or profiles sharing the content.

• Save URLs, timestamps, usernames, and communications related to the incident.

• Do not delete messages or posts until you’ve saved proof.

2. Contact an Experienced Maryland Revenge Porn Lawyer

A skilled Maryland revenge porn attorney can:

• File for an emergency court injunction to stop ongoing distribution,

• Identify and locate anonymous offenders,

• Work with platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or Pornhub to remove content, and

• Pursue a civil lawsuit for damages and justice.

3. File a Civil Lawsuit

You can bring a claim in Maryland Circuit Court seeking damages, injunctions, and other relief. Your attorney can also coordinate with local prosecutors if criminal charges are pending.

4. Protect Your Privacy

Your attorney can request to file your case under seal or using a pseudonym (e.g., Jane Doe), ensuring your name and identifying details remain private throughout the proceedings.

How a Maryland Revenge Porn Attorney Can Help

A Maryland civil attorney experienced in revenge porn cases can help you:

• Navigate the legal process confidentially and compassionately,

• File for emergency removal orders and restraining injunctions,

• Quantify damages for emotional and reputational harm,

• Pursue offenders — even those acting anonymously online, and

• Work with digital forensics experts to track image distribution.

The right lawyer will not only handle the legal complexities but also protect your dignity and privacy throughout every step.