The City Council blazing a trail — passing a new law that makes revenge porn illegal. Victims of this high tech form of sexual abuse are applauding the action — hoping the punishment will put an end to the cruel attacks. NY1's Lori Chung reports.

A measure before City Council is being hailed as a breakthrough for victims of what is known as "revenge porn" - a modern day form of sexual assault that uses technology to attack.

The so-called "Revenge Porn Bill" is aimed at keeping up with a growing problem, trying to make it illegal for someone to post nude or intimate images of a person without their consent.

The bill passed in a unanimous vote by the City Council.

The law would make it a crime punishable by up to a year in jail, and violators could also face a $1,000.

"This is the kind of legislation that shouldn't be necessary but unfortunately it is," said City Councilman Rory Lancman. "More and more women and occasionally men have had their most private photos and videos shared publicly without their consent in an attempt to traumatize, humiliate, or punish them."

The law would also apply to someone who threatens to post images or videos, and allows victims to pursue a civil case against their abusers.