quick exit
Inside the House chamber at the Missouri Capitol

New Missouri Law Takes Effect June 1, Criminalizing What is Often Called “Revenge Porn”

Post Date: June 26, 2018

June 26, 2018 – On June 1, the distribution of what is termed “revenge porn” became a criminal offense in Missouri when legislation went into effect after it was signed into law by then-Gov. Eric Greitens on his last day in office.

The law criminalizes actions that are commonly threatened and used by abusive partners, making it a felony offense to share, or threaten to share, private sexual images of a person with the intent to harass, threaten or coerce that person.

Elements of the new crime include that the person who distributes the sexual images got them “under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the image was to remain private; and knows or should have known that the person in the image did not consent to the dissemination” (Section 573.110 RSMo).

The threat to distribute the private sexual images is a class E felony that is legally defined as when the offender “gains or attempts to gain anything of value, or coerces or attempts to coerce another person to act or refrain from acting, by threatening to disseminate an image” of that other person (Section 573.112 RSMo).

The legislation creating the offense of “nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images” was passed by the Missouri General Assembly as House Bill 1558 (Rep. Jim Neely, R-Cameron).

Featured Product
Support MOCADSV

Donate Today

MOCADSV accepts donations directly from businesses, associations, and individuals. Support can also be provided through workplace giving campaigns, planned giving, or limited in-kind donation opportunities.

Become A Member

Membership publicly demonstrates your commitment to a violence-free Missouri and connects you with others who share those same values. You don’t have to confront, manage or struggle with domestic and sexual violence alone. Join MOCADSV today and be a part of making Missouri a safer place to live.

Register Today

Stay Up to Date

MOCADSV provides a constructive entry point to information and resources in Missouri for people dealing with domestic and sexual violence, and those who could positively affect it with a greater understanding of the issue. By subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.