Revenge porn and image-based abuse

If you find yourself a victim of ‘revenge porn’/image-based abuse you should: –

Keep calm. It is important that you know that there are things you can do and that you remember that the feeling of panic you have will pass. Try to stay calm because your initial reaction may prove important.

Consider whether you should inform the Police.  An act of ‘revenge porn’/image-based abuse may constitute a number of criminal offences (see more below) and, as with any potential crime, you should consider informing the Police at an early stage. If you are a parent and your child is below the age of 18, you should give consideration to contacting the Police immediately, as a very serious criminal offence may have been committed. In doing so, remember that the situation is likely to be highly traumatic for your child and may have a significant bearing on their future. Do not jump to any conclusions. Stay calm and measured, for their sake. If you are a child and you find yourself in this situation, tell your parents or a responsible adult whom you trust, such as a teacher.

Consider carefully whether it is prudent to contact the person responsible.  While it may be tempting to contact the person responsible, either in a furious rage, or to plead with them to remove the material, this is often ill-advised, especially in the immediate term. Someone who has breached your trust and privacy in this manner has already taken the ‘nuclear option’ – and may be difficult to reason with. They are often people who feel bitter or rejected, and are looking for a reaction – do not give them the satisfaction. This may lead them to think that their tactics work. Furthermore, by contacting them before you have approached the Police and/or sought specialist legal advice, you may be prejudicing a future prosecution or civil claim against them. Even if they are remorseful and regret their decision, it may not be within their power to get the material removed, depending on where they have published it. There will of course be some circumstances where it makes sense to contact the individual in question. For instance, where a friend posts an intimate photograph on a social networking website in an ill-judged prank.

Resist the temptation to tell everyone.  It may sound counter-intuitive, but there are various reasons why you may feel tempted to tell lots of people about your predicament. It may be that you want to shame the person responsible, it may be that you want to try and find out who is responsible, or it may just be that it feels cathartic to share the distress you are feeling. Try to resist this. You may regret telling people later on and/or undermine any potential civil claim. Confide in one or two people you know and trust implicitly and make sure that they understand the importance of keeping the matter confidential.

Do not hesitate to seek professional help if your wellbeing is affected.  Image-based abuse can cause significant distress and in some instances psychiatric injury.  Whilst things will normally improve with time, you should contact your GP and/or counselling services if you are suffering from distress or anxiety, and/or the image-based abuse is having a noticeable effect on your daily life.  They will be able to help.

If you are contemplating taking legal action beyond a criminal complaint or instead of a criminal complaint, for example a claim for compensation or a warning letter, contact us to arrange a consultation.  It may be preferable to do this before contacting the police so that you properly understand your legal rights (unless you are in danger or you/the victim are under the age of 18).