Civil Remedies for Revenge Porn Victims in Washington, D.C.: Know Your Rights

Introduction: Understanding Revenge Porn in Washington, D.C.

Revenge porn — also called nonconsensual pornography or nonconsensual intimate images — occurs when private sexual photos or videos are shared without consent. In Washington, D.C., the law recognizes both criminal liability and civil remedies, meaning victims have multiple ways to take action.

If your intimate images were shared online or through other means without permission, you have rights. Civil remedies empower survivors to stop further distribution, recover damages, and hold offenders accountable.

What Is Revenge Porn Under D.C. Law?

Washington, D.C. criminalizes revenge porn under D.C. Code § 22–3112 (Nonconsensual Pornography). The law prohibits anyone from intentionally distributing or publishing sexual images of another person without their consent, particularly when the subject has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

But beyond criminal prosecution, D.C. provides a statutory civil remedy so victims can seek damages directly from the offender.

Civil Remedies Available in D.C.

D.C. has one of the most comprehensive civil remedies frameworks in the country under the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act (D.C. Law 25-268).

Victims can pursue:

1. Monetary Damages

• Actual/compensatory damages for emotional distress, therapy costs, reputational harm, and lost income.

• Statutory damages, even if actual losses are difficult to prove.

• Punitive damages to punish intentional, malicious conduct.

• Disgorgement of profits if the offender financially benefited from the images.

  
  

2. Injunctive Relief

Courts can issue injunctions to:

• Force websites, social media platforms, or third parties to remove intimate content, and

• Prohibit offenders from sharing or reposting images in the future.

  
  

3. Protection of Victim Identity

Victims can file lawsuits under pseudonyms (like Jane Doe) to protect their privacy while pursuing justice.

Other Civil Claims Available in D.C.

Even if the specific civil statute does not apply, victims may also pursue traditional torts, including:

1. Invasion of Privacy (Public Disclosure of Private Facts) – Sharing intimate images without consent violates privacy rights.

2. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) – For conduct intended to cause severe emotional suffering.

3. Defamation – If false statements accompany or are implied by the images.

4. Harassment or Cyberstalking – Additional claims under D.C.’s anti-harassment laws.

5. Copyright Claims – For images you own, federal copyright law may allow removal and damages.

   
   

Why Civil Remedies Matter

Criminal prosecutions punish offenders, but civil remedies put power back into the victim’s hands.

Civil actions allow survivors to:

• Hold offenders financially accountable,

• Force content removal from websites and social media,

• Recover compensation for emotional trauma, and

• Send a message that nonconsensual sharing of intimate images has serious consequences.

  
  

Steps for Victims of Revenge Porn in D.C.

If your private images have been shared without consent, it’s crucial to act quickly:

1. Preserve Evidence

• Take screenshots of posts, messages, and profiles.

• Save URLs, timestamps, and usernames.

• Keep original files and communications intact.

2. Contact a D.C. Revenge Porn Attorney

A specialized lawyer can:

• File emergency injunctions to stop ongoing distribution,

• Identify anonymous offenders,

• Work with platforms to remove content, and

• Pursue a civil lawsuit for damages.

3. File a Civil Lawsuit

You can file a claim in D.C. Superior Court to recover damages, request removal of images, and secure injunctive relief.

4. Protect Your Privacy During Litigation

Your attorney can request the court allow pseudonyms or sealed filings to keep your identity confidential.

How a D.C. Revenge Porn Lawyer Can Help

A civil attorney experienced in D.C. revenge porn cases can:

• Navigate complex digital evidence and social media issues,

• Pursue damages and injunctions simultaneously,

• Coordinate with law enforcement if criminal prosecution is underway, and

• Ensure privacy protections are maintained during litigation.

The right lawyer empowers victims to reclaim control and restore dignity after such a personal violation.