INFLUENCEMonths to result

Revenge Porn as a Means of Coercion

Revenge porn as a means to control or intimidate a victim

Problem it solves

lack of influence

Best for

Understanding the motivations behind revenge porn behaviors

Not ideal for

Victims of revenge porn who may find the content triggering

Overview

Why this framework exists

Revenge porn can be used as a means of coercion or control, particularly in situations where an individual feels threatened or rejected by their partner.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Revenge porn can be used as a means of coercion or control, particularly in situations where an individual feels threatened or rejected by their partner.
  2. Revenge porn can have severe consequences for the victim, including emotional distress and damage to their reputation.
  3. The effectiveness of revenge porn as a means of coercion can be influenced by factors such as the perpetrator's persistence and the victim's perception of their own mate value.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Initial Posting
    The perpetrator posts sexually explicit images or videos of the victim on the internet without their consent.
    Pro tipVictims should seek support from law enforcement or a crisis hotline immediately.
    WarningRevenge porn can have severe consequences for the victim, including emotional distress and damage to their reputation.
  2. Using Threats or Coercion
    The perpetrator uses threats or coercion to attempt to control the victim's behavior, such as threatening to post more images or videos.
    Pro tipVictims should not engage with the perpetrator or respond to their threats, and should instead seek support from law enforcement or a crisis hotline.
    WarningPerpetrators may become increasingly desperate or violent if their threats are not taken seriously.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Jane's Story

Jane's ex-boyfriend posted nude photos of her on a revenge-porn website, leading to a barrage of unwanted attention and harassment.

OutcomeJane suffered severe emotional distress and damage to her reputation, and was eventually forced to seek support from law enforcement and a crisis hotline.
Rebekah Wells' Story

Rebekah Wells was a victim of revenge porn, and founded the organization Women Against Revenge Porn to support other victims.

OutcomeRebekah Wells was able to find justice and support, and is now working to help other victims of revenge porn.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Underestimating the Severity of Revenge Porn
Revenge porn can have severe consequences for the victim, including emotional distress and damage to their reputation.
Failing to Seek Support from Law Enforcement or a Crisis Hotline
Victims should seek support from law enforcement or a crisis hotline immediately, rather than trying to handle the situation on their own.
Not Documenting Incidents of Revenge Porn
Victims should document any incidents of revenge porn, including dates, times, and details of what happened.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of revenge porn as a means of coercion is rooted in evolutionary psychology, which suggests that individuals may engage in behaviors that increase their chances of retaining a mate, even if those behaviors are harmful or coercive.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
When Men Behave Badly The Hidden Roots of Sexual
David M Buss · 2020
Open source →

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