Today’s story is about Sara, a survivor of non-consensual pornography (NCP), by her on-again-off-again hook-up we call, Dick! For legal reasons Dr. Chez and Stephanie share this particular story, not Sara herself.  “Non-consensual pornography,” sometimes called “revenge porn,” is the sharing or distribution of electronic or printed photographs, pictures, or films that; show the g******s, anus, or female breast of the other person; or depicts that person engaged in a sexual act. The distribution, either purposefully or inadvertently, harasses, hurts, or shames the individual depicted in the photos. NCP is illegal in most states and punishments range from small fines to jail time, depending on the state. The newest iteration of this is known as “deep-fake porn,” where an image or recording is created using part real images, part AI generated images to misrepresent someone doing something that was not actually done.  Sara is not alone. In fact, 1 in 12 people are the victims of non-consensual pornography, and 1 in 20 admit to perpetrating this crime. The most likely victims are young people between the ages of 15-29. Women represent 90% of victims and are far less likely to be the perpetrators of this crime than men. A study in 2019 suggests the problem has grown 400%!   In our conversations with young women, we learned that many victims felt coerced or manipulated into taking sexual pictures or videos. Offenders use these images to sell or post (without consent) on sites and/or to blackmail their partners for a variety of reasons.  For many victims of this technological assault, the traumatic aftermath is the same as sexual assault. The severe and disruptive mental health effects include PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The public humiliation and shame confound the psychological impacts.  Sara has successfully moved past this horrifying time in her life. She feels some sense of justice and most importantly, she feels stronger and supported. She is thriving and considering working as an advocate to speak out against non-consensual pornography and help others understand the damage it incurs. For the time being however, she is happy to share her journey with anyone who asks. The tools and therapies that helped Sara will serve as a balm for the explosion of other victims of NCP.  The resources listed below offer information on your rights and what to do if you are the victim of NCP. There are ways to remove the images and resources for healing. If you are a survivor of these crimes, we want you to know that you are not alone.   RESOURCES What To Do if You’re the Target of Revenge Porn (or NCP) Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice Know Your Rights (Legal Voice) National Association of Attorneys General Find an EMDR therapist Find a Therapist Through Psychology Today RAINN 800.656.HOPE,online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es