The Devil You Know Is Not Better - The Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images and Sentencing

The number of victims of the non-consensual distribution of intimate images (colloquially referred to as "revenge porn") is significant and increasing. The victims may face severe psychological consequences, such as depression and they may commit suicide. This article is one of the few to examine the legislation in this area in both Australia and the United States. It is also one of the first articles written about the new criminal legislation in Western Australia concerning the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and the first judgment concerning this legislation. This article alleges that the sentence handed down in the first judgment pursuant to the Western Australian legislation reflects outdated and concerning views regarding leniency when sentencing domestic violence offenders. This leniency does not reflect the seriousness of the crime nor the need for deterrence.