Are we sure it’s always about revenge?
Revenge Porn comes from the union of the English words Revenge (revenge) and Porn (pornographic): when we talk about non-consensual sharing of intimate material, unfortunately this phenomenon is often defined only using the word Revenge Porn, because it is a shorter and more catchy term to use (especially by the media).
However, there is a risk of using an incorrect and misleading term, for several reasons: first of all, the concept of revenge should only be used if there is certainty of a vengeful purpose: otherwise, there is a risk that victims and potential victims will not recognize themselves as such, whereas Article 612-ter nowhere mentions revenge, which is not necessary for the crime to be constituted.
Talking about revenge porn, a term often used in Italian news, also risks shifting attention from the victim to the perpetrator, questioning why this person wanted revenge, rather than acknowledging that there is no reason or justification for this type of behavior.
Non-consensual sharing of intimate material, or IBSA (Image-Based Sexual Abuse), is a longer term, admittedly: but it is a clear and accessible definition, which allows us to create less confusion.