Revenge Porn Laws in Vermont: What Victims Need to Know in 2026
What Vermont Law Says
Vermont addresses revenge porn under 13 Vermont Statutes Annotated Section 2606, titled "Disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent." The law classifies a first offense as a misdemeanor.
A first offense carries penalties of up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. A second or subsequent offense is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Vermont's law provides meaningful penalties for NCII distribution and escalates consequences for repeat offenders.
Review the statute at the Vermont Legislature website.
What Counts as Revenge Porn in Vermont
Vermont's statute defines the offense through these elements. The content must be a visual image depicting a person in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct. The image was created or obtained under circumstances where the depicted person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The offender knowingly disclosed the image. The disclosure was without the consent of the depicted person. The offender acted with the intent to harm, harass, intimidate, threaten, or coerce the depicted person.
The law covers all distribution methods, including platforms like Instagram and Reddit, websites, messaging services, and email. Vermont's intent requirement means prosecutors must prove a specific malicious purpose behind the distribution.
How to Report
Vermont victims should take these steps:
- Preserve all evidence — Screenshot images, save URLs, document account information, and keep all communications.
- File a police report — Contact your local police department, county sheriff, or the Vermont State Police. Reference 13 VSA 2606.
- Contact the state's attorney — Each county has a state's attorney who handles criminal prosecutions.
- Report to the FBI — File with the FBI IC3 for internet-based distribution.
- Seek a relief from abuse order — Vermont courts can issue protective orders addressing harassment and threatening behavior.
Limitations of Criminal Law
Vermont's intent requirement creates a prosecutorial hurdle. Proving that the offender acted with specific intent to harm or harass requires evidence of their state of mind, which can be challenging. Vermont's small and rural population means limited law enforcement resources for specialized digital crime investigation.
The criminal process takes time, and images remain accessible online throughout. A conviction does not trigger automatic content removal from platforms. Cross-jurisdictional challenges arise with internet-based distribution.
Removing the Content
Content removal should proceed immediately and independently.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act requires platforms to remove NCII within 48 hours of a valid request.
StopNCII.org allows victims to create digital hashes that participating platforms use to block matching content.
IntimaShield provides professional NCII removal services covering multi-platform takedowns, search engine de-indexing, and ongoing monitoring.
See also: Maine's revenge porn law for a neighboring New England comparison.
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