New Legislative Effort to Address Non-Consensual Sharing of Explicit Images in the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands Senate recently took a significant step toward protecting individuals from the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images, commonly referred to as “revenge porn.” Senator Donna Frett-Gregory spearheaded the initiative, presenting Bill 35-0182 to the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety. This proposed legislation aims to amend Title 14, Chapter 51 of the Virgin Islands Code, introducing stringent measures against the non-consensual sharing of explicit images.

With the advent of digital technology, the phenomenon of revenge porn has emerged as a disturbing trend, victimizing individuals by exposing their privacy to public scrutiny without consent. The bill proposes to tackle this issue head-on by categorizing the first offense as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison, and elevating subsequent offenses to felony status. Victims would have two years to file a criminal complaint from the moment they become aware of the incident.

The Virgin Islands joins a concerted effort across 48 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, where similar laws have been established to curb this invasive practice. The bill specifically targets the intentional distribution of non-consensual sexually explicit material aimed at harassment, intimidation, or causing harm to the victim, marking it as the territory’s 15th domestic violence crime.

Timothy Perry, representing the Department of Justice for St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, acknowledged the bill’s intent but suggested refinements to its language to eliminate potential legal defenses that could hinder prosecution. He highlighted the need for clarity on the intent to harass and knowledge of the necessity for consent.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), through Assistant Commissioner Mario Brooks, expressed support for the bill, underscoring the traumatic impact of non-consensual pornography on victims. Brooks, however, raised concerns about the bill’s age limitations, pointing out the significant incidence of such crimes among minors, especially within educational settings.

The bill has ignited a broader discussion on the resources required for effective enforcement, with both the VIPD and the Department of Justice emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to accompany the new legislation. The Office of the Territorial Public Defender and the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix have also contributed to the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of addressing repeat offenders and the challenges faced by victims in reporting these crimes due to societal stigma.

The legislative committee’s overwhelming support for the bill, coupled with a call for public awareness campaigns by Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger, underscores the community’s commitment to combating this issue. Dr. Clema Lewis of the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix voiced her organization’s readiness to lead educational efforts, highlighting the critical role of awareness in prevention.

As the bill moves to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, the Virgin Islands stands on the cusp of significant legal reform aimed at safeguarding personal dignity and privacy in the digital age, reflecting a collective resolve to address and prevent the harm caused by the non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit images.