Revenge porn without consent: what to do if you are a victim?

Revenge porn, also known as revenge porn, is one of the most violent acts a person can suffer in the digital age. It involves the dissemination of intimate images or videos without the consent of the person concerned, often as an act of revenge, control, or humiliation. This violation of privacy is often devastating, leaving the person feeling betrayed, exposed, and vulnerable. However, the law is clear: what you are experiencing is a criminal offense. You have rights, and you are not alone.

In the first instance, it is advisable to preserve evidence of the content’s dissemination, preferably through a bailiff’s report or, at the very least, through screenshots.

In a second step only, you can report the content to the platforms on which it was published. Social networks such as Instagram, X, TikTok or Snapchat now provide forms for reporting sexually explicit content shared without authorization, as do pornographic websites. Failing that, you should contact them directly to request removal. It is also possible to request the de-referencing of your personal data from search engines such as Google.

In parallel, you can file a complaint, either by going to a police station or gendarmerie, or by sending a letter to the Public Prosecutor. You do not need to know the identity of the perpetrator in order to file a complaint.

You can be accompanied by a lawyer throughout these steps. The lawyer will assist you in gathering evidence, requesting removal and de-referencing, filing a complaint, following the criminal proceedings, defending your interests at the hearing, and obtaining compensation.

Contact: Maître Lois Pamela LESOT – 06.52.02.54.42 – lesot@loispamelalesot.com

Revenge porn is provided for and punished under criminal law.

French law recognizes revenge porn as a form of violence. Thus, the law punishes the non-consensual dissemination of sexual images, even when the photos or videos were originally taken in a private or romantic context. The existence of a personal relationship between the person who disseminates the content and the person depicted does not remove the requirement for consent. It is essential to remember that sharing an intimate image or video never grants the recipient the right to make it public.

In the event that content is published without your authorization, you can take legal action: you may file a complaint and seek compensation for the harm suffered. This harm may include anxiety, depression, loss of self-confidence, and social and/or professional difficulties. Revenge porn is not a mere “digital incident.” It is a form of violence, and it must be treated as such.

A criminal lawyer can help you navigate this process, file a complaint, and assert your rights if you wish.

Non-consensual sharing of intimate content and the right to be forgotten

Non-consensual sharing of intimate content on social media

Your Criminal Defense with Maître Lois Pamela LESOT

Are you a victim or accused in a revenge porn case?
Consult a lawyer: Maître Lois Pamela LESOT – 06.52.02.54.42 – lesot@loispamelalesot.com

The firm regularly assists and defends individuals who are victims or accused in revenge porn cases, as well as in all types of criminal offenses, such as rape or domestic violence.

If you wish to file a complaint for revenge porn, you can consult this article.
If you are accused of revenge porn, you can prepare for police custody by consulting this article and for a voluntary interview by consulting this article.

Article date: July 11, 2025 | By Lois Pamela LESOT