Website allows people to post "revenge porn" and victims must pay

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There is new hope for victims of "revenge porn" -- as the state of Wisconsin is one step closer to making it a crime. "Revenge porn" is the practice of jilted lovers sharing nude photos of their ex -- and believe it or not, there are websites for that, and FOX6 News spoke with an individual who says it is ruining their life.

"I found out about this a week ago. I just don't need to deal with this. I don't need this in my life right now, and it's really stressing me out," the victim told FOX6 News.

On one website, about a dozen "private photos" of the victim were posted.

Revenge porn websites advertise pay back. Users are asked to submit naked pictures of exes online.

For those who fall victim, a nearly $500 fee is offered for removal of the photos.

"The thought crossed my mind. I would pay the money, and then I thought, what's keeping people from reposting the same thing again?" the victim told FOX6 News.

At this moment, the victim says they feel helpless -- but that may be about to change.

On Tuesday, November 12th, lawmakers in Madison took steps to make Wisconsin the third state in the country to punish those posting "revenge porn."

Lawmakers are proposing penalties of up to nine months in prison and a $10,00 fine.

It is a bill that is giving victims hope.

"There is no recourse that I can take. Somebody should be able to do that," the victim told FOX6 News.

Defense Attorney Jonathan LaVoy supports legislation, but says lawmakers can go too far.

"I think there is going to be a number of challenges to it, and the Legislature has their work cut out for them. I think they have to carefully craft a bill that doesn't infringe on somebody's right to disseminate pictures," LaVoy said.

Those who have fallen victim say their privacy is already gone, but are thankful they may have their own chance at revenge.

"I much rather this thing would just go away," the victim told FOX6 News.

Even with the law if it were to pass, it may be challenging to prosecute. For one thing, a victim must know who posted the pictures. On porn revenge websites, posters remain anonymous.

The bill passed the Assembly and is now headed to the Senate.