Victim of "Revenge Porn" Fights for Justice

Holly Jacobs suffered a four year nightmare at the hands of her ex-boyfriend after he uploaded intimate pictures and video onto “revenge porn” sites. After Holly started to date again intimate pictures and video began to show up on mutliple “revenge porn” sites. Accompanied with the pictures and video were Jacobs’ email, personal address, and even her workplace. Because her personal information was attached to these images, Holly began to receive harassment through her email. She then feared that someone would begin to stalk her using the personal information that was posted. Holly decided to take action and urged politicians in Florida to pass a law protecting victims of cyber stalking. Holly has said: “Stand up for what you feel is right. It’s not OK that people are doing this and exploiting you, just because you trusted somebody and because you shared intimate photographs in an intimate relationship,” she said. “That’s not the problem here. The problem is that somebody is using this against you and trying to drive you to suicide. They’re ruining our lives. That’s not OK.” Holly hopes that by sharing her story she encourages more victims to come forward so that the law could be enforced in other states. Jacobs has filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend for the harm he has caused her life. However he has denied any involvement in the posting of the intimate pictures and videos, claiming that someone hacked his computer. I think it is about time someone takes a stand against these “revenge porn” sites. It’s absolutely disgusting and unforgivable to ruin someone’s life just because a relationship didn’t work out. I don’t believe the ex-boyfriend’s claim either that the images and videos were stolen because Holly’s personal information was posted with the items, it just seems unlikely that the person would know much about Holly. I think the ex was angry that the relationship ended and he set out to embarrass her. I don’t know what a solution to these “revenge porn” sites could be. I think the cyber stalking law would punish those responsible for posting on those sites and maybe even reduce the number of new posts. However, I don’t think it would bring an end to “revenge porn” sites. Jaded exes will always exist and through the power of the internet, personal information can be easily shared. If you do engage in this sort of activity, make sure you aren’t pressured into doing it and are the one who holds onto the material. That would seem the best way to keep yourself safe. Today