“For years, every single person I crossed paths with in my life was a suspect. Can you imagine living life not being able to trust anyone in it? … think to yourself how many times during the day your phone vibrates or makes a sound, alerting you about an e-mail, a text, status update, or a phone call. To this day, every time my phone lights up or makes a sound or I receive a call from an unknown number, my heart drops, and I am paralyzed in fear because each of these alerts triggers the memories of pain caused by Christopher.”
— Madison Conradis
From her statement at Christopher Buonocore’s sentencing hearing.
Forty-eight states have laws prohibiting the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images, but these statutes often require proof that the perpetrator intended to harass his victims. It’s difficult to prove someone’s intent, especially when that person is anonymous online, meaning many cases are never prosecuted.
My latest story for The Washington Post is a rare look at the trouble victims of image-based sexual abuse endure to get justice. It’s about twin sisters from Florida who spent years trying to unmask their anonymous cyberstalker. When they finally did, they discovered he was an acquaintance from college, and he was tormenting four other women, too.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.