Someone Shared Your Intimate Images Without Consent: What to Do Now

First: this is not your fault

Taking or sharing an intimate image with someone you trusted is not wrong. Sharing it without your consent is. Whatever the circumstances — a partner, an ex, a hacked account, a hidden camera or a deepfake — the blame lies entirely with the person who shared it.

It's normal to feel panic, shame, anger or numbness. Take a breath. There are practical steps that work, and people who can help. You don't have to deal with this alone.

If someone is threatening to share images

Threats to share intimate images — sometimes with demands for money, more images or contact, known as sextortion — are a form of abuse and a crime in many places.

• Don't pay or send anything more; it rarely stops the demands.
• Stop responding, but don't delete the conversation.
• Screenshot the threats, usernames and profiles.
• Use StopNCII.org pre-emptively if you have the images.
• Report to the platform and to police.

If the threats come from a current or ex-partner, this may be part of wider abuse. A domestic-abuse service can help you make a safety plan — remember that the time around separation can be especially dangerous.

Save evidence before content is removed

Evidence helps with police reports and takedown requests:

• Take screenshots showing the image (or a description of it), the URL, the username, and the date and time.
• Copy and save the web addresses.
• Save messages and threats.
• Keep a log of where you've found the content and what you've reported.

You may find it easier to ask a trusted friend to help search and screenshot, so you don't have to look at everything yourself.

Use StopNCII.org

StopNCII.org is a free tool that helps stop intimate images being shared on participating platforms. It creates a digital fingerprint, called a hash, of your image on your own device — the image itself is never uploaded. Participating companies use the hash to detect and block matching content.

It works for adults' images. If you were under 18 in the image, contact a child-protection reporting service or police instead, who can help get it removed.

Report to platforms and websites

Most major social media, search and adult sites have specific reporting forms for non-consensual intimate images, and many prioritise these reports. Report each post or account, and keep a note of the reference number.

Search engines often let you request removal of intimate images from search results too. If a site doesn't respond, specialist helplines can sometimes escalate on your behalf.

Reporting to police and legal options

In many countries, sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent is a criminal offence, and creating sexual deepfakes is increasingly covered too. Laws differ by country and state. You can report to police with your evidence, and ask for a reference number.

You may also have civil options, such as seeking an injunction or damages. Free legal aid, bar association referral services and organisations like the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative can help you understand options. This guide is not legal advice.

Looking after yourself

Image-based abuse can feel overwhelming. Lean on people you trust, limit how often you search for the content, and consider support from a counsellor or helpline. TrustFem's /help page lists hotlines by country, and our community is here if you want to talk.