TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Assembly has passed a bill that significantly increases the potential civil damages for victims of revenge porn, a major step forward in supporting survivors of this form of sexual abuse. The bill, A2281, sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
Assemblywoman Dunn emphasized the need for courts to have the authority to award larger damages for the nonconsensual sharing or threats of sharing intimate images. While New Jersey has robust criminal penalties for distributing sexual images without consent, the options for civil recourse have been limited, often driving victims to federal court for monetary redress. This bill aims to make suing for damages in state court more feasible, providing victims an opportunity for justice and closure.
The proposed legislation would allow state civil courts to order monetary damages up to $10,000 per image, a significant increase from the current $1,000 limit, for emotional distress. Additionally, it would enable courts to award punitive damages for willful, reckless, or malicious actions against the victim, as well as cover attorney’s fees and litigation costs.
This bill responds to the growing problem of sextortion, with over 18,000 cases reported in 2021 and more than 7,000 involving minors in the following year. Dunn stressed the importance of protecting victims and sending a clear message against sexual exploitation in New Jersey.
A notable case underlining the bill’s importance is that of Kaitlyn Cannon, a Wall Township Schools graduate who successfully sued her former teacher for posting nonconsensual pornography. Despite winning her case, the compensation received was deemed insufficient compared to the harm suffered.
Under Dunn’s bill, victims would be allowed to file charges using a fictitious name or initials, safeguard their address, and potentially have court records sealed. The legislation will apply to violations occurring from the date of the law’s enactment. This initiative marks a significant advancement in legal protections for revenge porn victims in New Jersey.