Revenge Porn Victimization of College Students in the United States: An Exploratory Analysis

Over the past several decades, there has been an increased focus on various forms of sexual violence and sexually aggressive behaviors (e.g., stalking, harassment). Technology has provided new opportunities for sexually aggressive behavior and involvement in sexting and revenge porn. To date, there is limited empirical research that exists on revenge porn- sending or posting sexually suggestive or explicit materials of a former lover, without the subject’s consent, in an attempt to humiliate, harass, or punish the victim. In the present exploratory study, we surveyed 470 college freshmen about their practices and perceptions about revenge porn. Findings revealed that approximately 10% of the current sample had a private photo shared beyond the intended recipient and those male students and female students had different experiences. Specifically, victims of revenge porn were predominantly female, freshman, and 18 years of age and the majority of private pictures that were forwarded to others beyond the intended recipient were sent by a current or former boyfriend. Implications of these findings for the college community are discussed.