For those not in the know, “revenge porn” refers to the sharing or distribution of any nude or sexually explicit material of someone without their permission or consent with the express purpose of humiliating or “getting back” at them. Victims may now lay criminal charges against anyone who distributes or shares this material on social media, in text messages, via any electronic communication or on pornographic websites.

Anyone who breaks the revenge porn laws in South Africa and is found guilty of sharing or distributing revenge porn will face time behind bars or will be fined. If the victim can’t be identified in the content, the perpetrator could face two years in jail and/or pay a fine of up to R150 000. However, if the victim can be identified in any way, the perpetrator could spend four years in prison and/or pay up to R300 000.

Guest on the line: Jackie Phamotse, author of the award-winning Bare – The Blesser’s Game,