What is Reverse Revenge Porn? Explaining Where to Seek Help for Victims, Prevention, and Response Measures

Revenge porn is a form of harassment where intimate images or videos of a former spouse or partner are shared on the internet or distributed to an unspecified number of people. As the perpetrators are primarily male, instances where the female is the perpetrator are sometimes referred to as “reverse revenge porn.”

What should you do if you become a victim of reverse revenge porn? And what measures can you take to prevent becoming a victim of such harassment?

This article will discuss where to seek advice and how to handle the situation if you fall victim to reverse revenge porn, as well as strategies to prevent becoming a victim in the first place.

Revenge Porn and Reverse Revenge Porn

Revenge porn refers to the harassment of publishing sexual images of a former lover or divorced spouse without their consent, typically as an act of vengeance. This is commonly perpetrated by men against women. Conversely, reverse revenge porn denotes the harassment where women publish sexual images or videos of men.

According to the National Police Agency’s “Response to Stalking Cases in Reiwa 5 (2023),” 84.3% of revenge porn victims were women. As the majority of victims are female, revenge porn is predominantly recognized as a crime against women.

In light of this context, cases where men are the victims are referred to as reverse revenge porn. It should be noted that “reverse revenge porn” is a neologism and is not used in a legal context.

Reference: National Police Agency “About the Response to Stalking Cases, Domestic Violence Cases, Child Abuse Cases, etc., in Reiwa 5 (2023)”

Examples of Reverse Revenge Porn

What are some cases of reverse revenge porn? Here, we will explain specific examples.

Cases Similar to Honey Traps

In reverse revenge porn, honey traps can be used as a method. A honey trap involves a conspiracy where a couple or individuals, whether friends or strangers, entice a target man into a sexual relationship, then threaten him with demands for money using the situation as leverage.

Specifically, the female perpetrator records images or videos of nudity or sexual activity when she engages in a sexual relationship with the male victim. Then, a conspiring male threatens to disseminate these images or videos unless the victim pays up.

Cases of Demanding Reconciliation or Acting Out of Spite

In cases of reverse revenge porn by an ex-girlfriend or ex-wife, there are instances where sexual images or videos are used to force reconciliation or to spitefully publish the data. This motive is common in reverse revenge porn and is often seen in cases where the male is the perpetrator, affecting both men and women alike.

Cases of Monopolizing a Host or Dodging Debts

A unique form of reverse revenge porn among women involves threatening to release sexual images or videos of a host to monopolize his attention. By threatening to spread such content, the perpetrator aims to have exclusive access to the host.

There are also instances where sexual images or videos are used to threaten hosts in order to avoid paying debts accrued at host clubs.

Laws Related to Reverse Revenge Pornography

The following four laws are related to reverse revenge pornography:

• Japanese Act on the Prevention of Revenge Pornography
• Japanese Stalker Regulation Act
• Japanese Penal Code
• Japanese Act on Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

We will explain the details of each law.

The Japanese Anti-Revenge Porn Law

The Japanese Anti-Revenge Porn Law was enacted in Heisei 26 (2014) in response to the increasing severity of harm caused by revenge porn, which has become a significant social issue. Its official name is the “Act on the Prevention of Harm Caused by the Provision of Private Sexual Image Records.”

The purpose of the Anti-Revenge Porn Law is to prevent the infringement of personal honor and the peace of private life through acts such as the public disclosure or dissemination of sexual images and videos.

The Anti-Revenge Porn Law prohibits the publication and provision of private sexual images, which are defined as images capturing any of the following conditions (excluding those voluntarily consented to be photographed or photographed with the understanding that they would be viewed by a third party):

Article 2 of the Anti-Revenge Porn Law

1. The appearance of a person engaged in sexual intercourse or similar acts.

2. The appearance of a person involved in the act of touching someone else’s sexual organs (referring to genitals, anus, or nipples, hereinafter the same in this item and the next), or a person being touched by someone else in a manner that arouses or stimulates sexual desire.

3. The appearance of a person not wearing all or part of their clothing, where the person’s sexual parts (referring to genitals or their surrounding area, buttocks, or chest) are exposed or emphasized in a manner that arouses or stimulates sexual desire.

Source: e-Gov｜Act on the Prevention of Harm Caused by the Provision of Private Sexual Image Records[ja]

If sexual images or videos are published or openly displayed (placed in a state where they can be recognized by an unspecified or large number of people), the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

Furthermore, if someone provides sexual images or videos to an unspecified or large number of people with the intention of publishing them, they may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

If you would like to learn more about the Anti-Revenge Porn Law, please refer to the following article.

Related article: Understanding the Anti-Revenge Porn Law: Content of Penalties and How to Respond[ja]

Anti-Stalking Law

If you become a victim of so-called “reverse revenge porn,” your case may fall under the Japanese Anti-Stalking Law. The Japanese Anti-Stalking Law is designed to regulate behaviors such as persistently following someone, requesting meetings or relationships with the same individual.

Using sexual images or videos to contact someone or demand a relationship could potentially constitute a violation of the Japanese Anti-Stalking Law. The regulated actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Following, lying in wait, loitering, etc.
• Requesting meetings or relationships
• Engaging in vulgar or violent behavior
• Sending continuous phone calls, faxes, emails, etc., despite being rejected
• Sending items that cause discomfort or aversion
• Impairing someone’s honor or causing sexual humiliation

Violating the Japanese Anti-Stalking Law can result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one million yen.

Reference: e-Gov | Law on the Regulation of Stalking Behavior, etc.[ja]

Criminal Law

In cases of reverse revenge pornography where there is a demand for money or other requirements, the act may constitute the crimes of extortion, threats, or coercion under the Japanese Criminal Law. There is also the possibility of being charged with the crime of distribution of obscene materials.

Extortion: Coercing someone into handing over property (Japanese Criminal Law Article 249)

Threats: Notifying someone of intent to harm life, body, freedom, reputation, or property (Japanese Criminal Law Article 222)

Coercion: Threatening to harm life, body, freedom, reputation, or property, or using assault to make someone perform an act they are not obligated to do, or to interfere with the exercise of their rights (Japanese Criminal Law Article 223)

Distribution of Obscene Materials: Distributing or publicly displaying obscene writings, pictures, or media containing electromagnetic records (Japanese Criminal Law Article 175)

The respective penalties for these crimes are as follows:

Reference: e-Gov | Criminal Law[ja]

Japanese Act on the Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

If the victim is under 18 years of age, there is a possibility that the Japanese Act on the Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography may apply. Violations include providing or publicly displaying child pornography to an unspecified or large number of people (Article 7, Paragraph 6 of the Japanese Act on the Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography).

In such cases, the penalties can be imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 5 million yen. The Japanese Act on the Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography also prohibits the possession of child pornography for the purpose of satisfying one’s own sexual curiosity, with violations resulting in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 1 million yen (Article 7, Paragraph 1 of the Japanese Act on the Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography).

Furthermore, if the perpetrator is a minor female, she may be both a victim and a perpetrator of so-called “reverse revenge pornography.” The crimes in question are “child prostitution” and “indecent acts.”

Child prostitution refers to the act of paying a child under the age of 18 for sexual intercourse or similar acts. If charged with the crime of child prostitution, the penalty can be imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (Article 4 of the Japanese Act on the Prohibition of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography).

Reference: e-Gov | The Act on Regulation and Punishment of Acts Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Protection of Children[ja]

Indecent acts refer to sexual acts or acts similar to sexual intercourse performed with a child under the age of 18 through seduction, coercion, or other unjust means. The crime of indecent acts is regulated by ordinances established by each local government, and the penalties vary depending on the local government.

How to Prevent Becoming a Victim of Reverse Revenge Porn?

The fundamental preventive measure against becoming a victim of reverse revenge porn is to not allow sexual images or videos to be taken in the first place. Even if you are asked to send sexual images, it is essential to refuse.

Women may be prone to reverse revenge porn if they harbor feelings of not wanting to end a relationship or wanting to retaliate. In the unfortunate event that sexual images or videos have been taken and a breakup is imminent, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion with the partner and aim for an amicable resolution.

Be aware that there are individuals on social media and dating sites who may register with the intent of engaging in reverse revenge porn. If you suspect something dubious, it is best to avoid any interaction with such persons.

How to Deal with Reverse Revenge Porn Victimization

What should you do if you become a victim of reverse revenge porn? Here, we explain concrete steps to take in response to such an incident.

Preserve Evidence of the Victimization

If you fall victim to reverse revenge porn, it is crucial to collect and preserve evidence immediately. Without evidence, it may be impossible to prove the victimization, making consultation or litigation unfeasible.

Take screenshots or photographs with a digital camera of the images or videos posted on websites or social media, and keep them stored. Additionally, make sure to record the URLs.

Request Removal of Images or Videos

Once you have meticulously preserved evidence, request the removal of the content to prevent further damage. Directly ask the websites or social media platforms where the images or videos are posted to take them down.

If your request is not addressed, you can also apply for a preliminary injunction at the court to demand an order for removal.

If you want to know more about how to request removal, please refer to the following article.

Related Article: Explaining Consultation Resources and Response Methods for the Rapid Increase in Revenge Porn Victimization[ja]

Seek Professional Assistance

If you are a victim of reverse revenge porn, one option is to request assistance from professionals such as the police or a lawyer. Some people consider negotiating on their own or retaliating by publishing the perpetrator’s images.

However, such actions could provoke the perpetrator and not only escalate the victimization but also risk legal action against you. Instead of trying to resolve the issue on your own, consult with a professional promptly.

Specific consultation resources are explained in the following section.

Consultation Services for Victims of Reverse Revenge Pornography

There are three main points of contact for consultation regarding reverse revenge pornography:

• Safer Internet Association
• Police
• Attorneys

Safer Internet Association

If you wish to have leaked images removed, consult with the Safer Internet Association. This organization was established to prevent the distribution of illegal and harmful information.

By requesting the help of the Safer Internet Association, they will remove images and videos free of charge. They can also file removal requests with providers overseas, not just domestically.

General Incorporated Association Safer Internet Association｜What to do if you are a victim of revenge porn[ja]

Police

If you want to catch the perpetrator, it is advisable to consult with the police. Instead of going to a local police station, it is recommended to contact the ‘Cybercrime Consultation Desk’ or the ‘Sexual Crime Victim Consultation Hotline’.

When consulting with the police, you will need evidence that can prove the fact that you were victimized, so be sure to prepare this in advance.

National Police Agency｜Consultation Desk for Cyber Incidents[ja]

National Police Agency｜Nationwide common number ‘#8103 (Heart-san)’ that connects to the sexual crime victim consultation phone of each prefectural police[ja]

Attorneys

If you have requested the removal of images but they have not been deleted, or if you want to sue the offender for damages and compensation, consult with an attorney. Although there is a cost involved, they can assist you with filing a police report, drafting a complaint, and claiming compensation.

The field of expertise varies depending on the law firm you consult. Choose a firm with a rich track record in image removal and damage claims.

Related Article：What is the Revenge Porn Law? Explanation of penalties and how to respond[ja]

Summary: Consult a Lawyer for Reverse Revenge Pornography Victimization

Victims of reverse revenge pornography often suffer in silence, not wanting their families or employers to find out. To prevent becoming a victim, it is crucial not to allow or send sexually explicit images or videos in the first place.

Once such images or videos are published online, they can remain virtually forever, potentially hindering job searches, promotions, and causing distress to families. If you are at risk of or have already fallen victim to reverse revenge pornography, seek advice from a trusted source as soon as possible.

Guidance on Measures by Our Firm

Monolith Law Office is a legal practice with extensive experience in both IT, particularly the internet, and legal matters. In recent years, reputational damage and defamation spread online have caused serious harm as “digital tattoos.” Our firm provides solutions to combat these “digital tattoos,” and we have detailed these measures in the article below.

Areas of practice at Monolith Law Office: Digital Tattoo[ja]