Just Sharing or Non-Consensual Porn?: Sexting revisited
Fun or NCP?
In a fun-loving moment you get a message with a sexy photo. Fun, cute, titillating, harmless. What you do with it, though, can be quite different. Non-Consensual Porn (NCP) is also known as “Revenge-Porn” due to it seeming to begin with Exs who would release videos and photos after the love affair has ended. NCP encompasses the non-consensual release of private material including pictures with and without nudity with a sexual content, videos, and extra penalty if distributed electronically. Arizona lists NCP as a class 5 felony and with electronic release as a class 4 felony. So, yes, if you have a sexy pic of your girlfriend, boyfriend, or ex, then DO NOT show it to others.
There are cases of simple naked selfies, all the way to videos being made without the person’s knowledge, or even a known recording being shared beyond the consent of those involved. It does not matter how much content there is, it is simply that it is of a sexual nature and that there is not full disclosure and consent by all parties.
More everyday of an issue, though, is showing your current loved one’s picture to friends. It can feel good to have a sexy person send you photos and even more fun that others know. Though, this is not YOUR photo to share. This is a personal and private moment that your loved one may not (and probably does not) want shared with who-know’s-who. You think it is fine? – Then ask. If your loved one thinks it is ok to show them off, then asking is not difficult, it is fast and easy. I have many clients who think that because their wife went topless once in a hot tub at 25on vacation that she does not mind her topless pic to a hubby at 35 to be shared at the office or with his buddie. Each picture and incident are separate and people’s minds can change over time or situation. Even someone who allows nude pictures to be shared on a regular basis, must be asked and must give specific permission for each photo. Non-Consensual Porn can cause hurt feelings of betrayal, exposure, and lack of trust.
So keep it simple – keep it private, or ask first.
The lack of a “Yes” is a “NO.”
Take Care,
Dr. Chelsie