It is an offence to share or threaten to share private intimate photographs or videos:
- without consent
- without consent and with intent to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation
- without consent and or for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification
This is called intimate image abuse or revenge porn, and it includes:
- uploading images to the internet
- sharing them by text or e-mail
- showing someone a physical or electronic image
Private means anything that’s not usually seen in public. In law, sexual means anything that shows a person’s genitals or private areas and anything else that’s considered to be sexual by a ‘reasonable person’.
Anyone can be a victim of intimate image abuse. The offender will often be an ex-partner or someone you know, but it can also be a stranger.
Where to get help and support:
Revenge Porn factsheet (government publication)
Revenge Porn Helpline – 0345 6000 459 The Revenge Porn Helpline is a UK based helpline (1000 – 1600 Monday to Friday except Bank Holidays) for ages 18 and above whoa are experiencing intimate image abuse.
Image-based sexual abuse – Victim Support – an independent charity that are available to help anyone affected by crime.
Victim Care Hub Hampshire – provides free, confidential support for victims of crime and those impacted by crime who are residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Their aim is to help you cope and recover from the effects of crime, regardless of whether or not you have reported to the police.