On 14 February 2020, Benjamin Griveaux withdrew from the Paris mayoral election following the release of a pornographic video. At that time, e-Enfance was called upon by numerous media outlets as an expert on dealing with revenge porn to explain the phenomenon and offer advice on how to protect oneself.
What is “revenge porn”?
«This behaviour is quite common among young people, who have integrated digital technology into their emotional and sexual relationships.», emphasises Justine Atlan, director of the e-Enfance association, to AFP, a comment echoed in particular by the New Obs and Paris Match
The rrevenge porn, or “pornodivulgation” in its official translation, is the dissemination of pornographic images or videos of someone without that person's consent.
«Smartphones are very personal devices, yet at the same time they have a very powerful media impact. They can trigger very impulsive reactions of revenge.» Justine Atlan to AFP, comment reported in particular by RTL.
Revenge porn is often an impulsive, violent act intended to humiliate the person. Since 2016, the law has punished those who distribute such material, as the person in the recording or image has given their consent to be recorded, but only in an intimate setting. Under no circumstances have they consented to its publication.
Pornography disclosure: what the law says
The dissemination of «revenge porn» is punishable by two years' imprisonment and A fine of €60,000.
The law punishes the offence of «revenge porn» solely on the grounds of dissemination without consent, particularly on the Internet.
I am a victim, what should I do?
“Content can be removed within hours thanks to our intervention. The less time the photo spends on the internet, the less damage it will cause to the person.», explains Samuel Comblez to 8 o'clock news broadcast on 15 February 2020.
e-Enfance and its 3018 helpline are available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. to advise you and activate our priority reporting procedures if you witness or are a victim of child pornography.
In the event of disclosure:
- Report the dissemination of compromising images or comments to the relevant website/social network/platform; ;
- Take screenshots of the content in question; ;
- Block the malicious caller; ;
- Contact 3018 by telephone or chat. Experts are available to advise and assist you seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
