‘Revenge cheating’ accounts for over a third of affairs, study reveals

* 35% of people having affairs are ‘revenge cheating’, making it the top motive for infidelity.

* Women are more likely to ‘revenge cheat’ (38%), compared to 27% of men.

* 57% of men come clean about their vengeful actions – to inflict maximum pain on their unfaithful partners.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

From the thrill of the chase to the search for emotional fulfilment, the reasons behind infidelity can hugely vary. But what’s driving Brits to stray from the path of monogamy in 2024?

According to new research from IllicitEncounters.com, over a third (35%) of people having affairs are ‘revenge cheating’, making it the biggest driver for infidelity in relationships.

It seems hell really hath no fury like a woman scorned, and ladies aren’t holding back when it comes to getting revenge on unfaithful partners, opting to fight fire with fire.

In a poll of 2,000 people, a whopping 38% of women admitted to revenge cheating, embarking on their own extramarital escapades after discovering their partner’s infidelity. Men, on the other hand, were found to be less likely to retaliate by being unfaithful (27%).

The survey, conducted by affairs site IllicitEncounters.com, found that men who turn to revenge cheating tend to be more transparent about it, with 57% choosing to reveal their vengeful act to their partners – but it’s not because they feel the need to be honest, it’s to maximise the pain inflicted by the retaliation.

On the other hand, only 32% of women own up to their infidelity, preferring to keep their payback under wraps.

A staggering 78% of individuals strike back with a vengeance within just 48 hours of learning about their partner’s infidelity. It’s a lightning-fast response to betrayal, fuelled by raw emotions and a burning desire for vengeance.

The most common methods for revenge cheating include using affairs sites and dating apps (44%), sleeping with an ex-partner (27%), contact via social media (14%), dalliances with a work colleague (10%), and even cheating with a partner’s friend (5%).

When it comes to settling scores, men and women embrace the chance to turn the tables on their unfaithful partners without hesitation, and an overwhelming 83% say they felt no remorse for their actions. 

Jessica Leoni, relationship expert at IllicitEncounters.com commented on the survey results, saying “Revenge cheating is a remedy that scorned lovers appear to be opting for when it comes to treating a broken heart, especially for women.

There’s something undeniably liberating about taking control of your own narrative, especially when you’ve been wronged. Revenge affairs can serve as a form of catharsis, allowing individuals to reclaim their confidence and sense of independence in the face of heartache.

Whether it’s getting into bed with an ex or having affairs through married dating sites like IllicitEncounters, people are finding their own unique paths to payback.

While it’s understandable that people might want to get even to alleviate the feeling of betrayal, it’s really important to remember that revenge affairs may only offer temporary satisfaction.”

Most common ways people revenge cheat:

Affairs sites and dating apps (44%)
With an ex (27%)
Contact via social media (14%)
With a work colleague (10%)
With a partner’s friend (5%)