Senator Monica R. Martinez Passes Historic Revenge Porn Bill In the New York State Senate

(ALBANY, NY); On February 28, 2019, Senator Monica R. Martinez, (D-Brentwood) alongside her colleagues in the State Senate passed bill S.1719, which will establish protections for victims of non-consensual dissemination of explicit images. The provisions set forth in the bill will take effect sixty days after becoming law.

“I was proud to champion this issue at a county level, and today I am honored to stand with my colleagues to pass this vitally important legislation at a state level that will work to protect victims of this particularly heinous crime. We are sending a strong message that this kind of violation will no longer be tolerated in the State of New York, and it is my hope that other states will be inspired to follow suit. I want to extend my gratitude to the individuals who have come forward to share their powerful stories and to the advocacy groups who have given the victims a voice” stated Senator Martinez.

“Revenge porn is a pervasive problem that often results in victims being threatened with sexual assault, stalked, harassed, or fired from jobs,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “Some victims have committed even suicide due to the severe emotional pain caused by the disclosure of their intimate photos. The passage of this legislation sends a strong message that individuals who engage in this type of reprehensible behavior will be held accountable for their actions.”

"I commend Senator Monica Martinez for her leadership in passing this historic Anti-Revenge Porn Law.  As of today, victims whose lives have been utterly devastated by this cruel and vicious practice will know that the State of New York supports them and will hold their tormentors accountable – both civilly and criminally!” stated Senator Boyle.

“In today’s day and age, smartphones and social media have made it easier than ever to capture and distribute images that were meant to remain private, causing widespread implications that affect one’s life, career, and mental health,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “I want to thank Senator Martinez for championing this effort on the state level, which will outlawing this heinous act across the state and ensure victims will get the justice and protection they deserve.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini stated "For far too long, victims of revenge porn have suffered devastating consequences while their abusers faced no repercussions. This critical legislation provides prosecutors with the legal tool they need to hold perpetrators accountable and sends a clear deterrent message that this behavior will not be tolerated in New York State. I applaud Sen. Martinez and the state legislature for passing this much-needed legislation to protect victims and outlaw these heinous crimes."

“At Sanctuary for Families, we have seen the devastating damage that cyber sexual abuse has caused our clients and their frustration and outrage that so little can be done to punish their abusers,” said Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, Executive Director of Sanctuary for Families. “We are proud of the extraordinary contributions that Sanctuary’s staff have made in shaping this bill and are grateful to State Senator Martinez and her colleagues in Albany for their leadership.”

Revenge Porn is a form of assault. It can destroy a person’s reputation and cause them, and their families, irreparable harm. We at Victims  Information Bureau of Suffolk strongly support Senator Martinez’ sponsorship of this important legislation and applaud her efforts to protect all citizens, regardless of age, from being victimized in this way.” - Reina Schiffrin, MPH, Executive Director, Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk

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