Revenge Porn: New documentary gives hope to others seeking justice
updated on Mar 21, 2023
A new ITV documentary released on 20 March highlights the devastating impact that ‘revenge porn’ had on reality star and former Love Island contestant Georgia Harrison’s self-esteem. Now, she’s seeking justice for other victims of this crime
Revenge Porn: Georgia vs Bear details Georgia’s two-year process of becoming targeted by revenge porn after a private film was posted online by her ex-partner Stephen Bear without her consent. She says, “I finally have the chance to show you the journey I had to go on to get to this point”.
The documentary disclosed voice notes between Georgia and Bear where he denied it was her in the private video. He also denied releasing the tape to OnlyFans (a social media platform where subscribers can sell or purchase original content primarily of a sexual nature).
Bear was finally sentenced to 21 months in prison after being found guilty of voyeurism and disclosing private sexual photographs and films against Georgia’s wishes with the intent to cause distress following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Revenge porn is when private photos and videos are distributed without consent to porn sites, social media, and family or colleagues, using these images.
The impact of revenge porn on Georgia
In the documentary, Georgia details how she felt when she found out the video was posted online, acknowledging the impact this had on her self-esteem.
“I just felt completely unworthy and I felt like no matter where I went I couldn’t escape it. It just makes you feel like you are just not important and just so damaged”. She goes on to say, “I didn’t want to be seen. I felt so ashamed, violated, used.”
Not only was her self-worth affected, she suffered physical consequences, saying her skin, kidneys and pelvis were all infected. The trial took its toll mentally and physically. During the proceedings, she said all she wanted was for her life to be back to normal but felt ready to speak out.
She revealed how she was worried about the low conviction rates for crimes of this nature. She said, “I feel sick like there is a mountain to climb”.
Georgia also goes on to say how this abuse has affected her ability to develop trust, resulting in intimacy issues. During her trial statement, she claims.
“I am making this statement to tell the court the impact this horrific crime has had on me. When Stephen Bear filmed me without telling me, it not only stole that choice from me but it also seriously affected the way I trust people, especially in intimate situations.”
When Bear was sentenced to 21 months in prison after being found guilty, Georgia showed her absolute relief to the public. She felt vindicated by the verdict and displayed her gratitude to those who supported her. She wants to give hope to others seeking justice, standing in solidarity with them. At the end of the documentary she says, “I really do feel like I can move on”.
Where can victims of revenge porn find support?
This crime isn’t restricted only to avenging exes. It can include sextortion and hacking into a phone containing private images. The term ‘image-based sexual abuse’ is used to reflect the severity of this global epidemic. If you have been affected by these issues, know that there is support out there, including:
- Revenge Porn Helpline is a UK service supporting adults who are experiencing intimate image abuse.
- SPITE provides free legal advice for revenge porn victims.
- Samaritans offer free, confidential support to anyone who needs it. If you need immediate help, please go to your nearest A&E department or call 999.
Revenge Porn: Georgia vs Bea aired on ITV Monday, 20 March at 10 pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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