English
EspañolHow can an abuser use images to harass and harm me?
An abuser could use nude or sexual images of you as a way to gain and keep power and control over you. S/he may do this by:
- sharing intimate images that you sent;
- taking photos or videos of you without your consent; or
- threatening to share images as a way to scare, harass, control, or blackmail you.
These actions can be part of a pattern of domestic abuse and there are laws that may address this type of behavior. You may choose to report it to the police to see if it qualifies as a crime in your state, file for a restraining order, or even sue the abuser in civil court for money damages.
What is nonconsensual image sharing? Is it the same as “revenge porn”?
Nonconsensual intimate image sharing, abbreviated NCII, is sometimes referred to as nonconsensual dissemination of images, nonconsensual pornography, or by the slang phrase “revenge porn.” All of these terms describe the sharing or distribution of sexual, intimate, nude, or semi-nude photos or videos of someone without his/her permission. Note: Most advocacy groups stay away from using the phrase “revenge porn” because it suggests that a scorned partner’s motivation is to “get back” at the victim. However, this may likely not be the actual motivation. An abuser may share or threaten to share images in order to:
- gain power and control over the victim;
- harass the victim;
- cause the victim distress, humiliation, and shame;
- cause the victim to lose a job or not be able to get a job; or
- influence an ongoing court case. For example, the abuser may think that posting such images would tarnish the victim in the eyes of a judge who is deciding an ongoing custody case between the victim and the abuser.
NCII can involve images that were originally shared with consent. It can also include images obtained without consent or and even without the victim’s knowledge through the use of cell phone cameras, hidden cameras, or hacking of devices.
What is a “deepfake”?
A synthetic media image, also called a deepfake, is a type of picture or video that is created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. They are meant to look like real images and often the viewer cannot tell that the image is fake. Not all deepfakes are sexual but an abuser could misuse AI to create sexual or intimate images. For instance, the abuser can take a photo of you in clothing and use an app to turn it into a fake nude picture of you. This sort of deepfake image could be shared on the internet or in other ways; to the viewers, it looks like a real nude image.
Not many state laws specifically address this sort of synthetic media images. But it’s possible that other laws that deal with the following crimes might apply:
- harassment;
- stalking;
- unlawful dissemination of intimate images;
- unlawful disclosure of private images; or
- computer crimes.
You can look for the laws in your state on our Crimes page by entering your state in the drop-down menu. You can also check for your state’s laws on the Cyber Civil Rights Institute map of synthetic media laws.
What is “sextortion”?
“Sextortion” is when someone threatens to share sexual or intimate materials unless you do what the person tells you to do. It is a type of blackmail or extortion. The person may ask for money, sexual favors, more sexual images, or something else. Just like with other types of image abuse, sextortion can involve images that were taken with or without your permission. You may have previously shared the images with the person or s/he may have gotten them through someone else or through hacking.
Sextortion can also be used as a tactic to get money from someone who is not known to the victim. For example, someone may contact you over the internet falsely claiming to have sexual images of you and threatening to share or post them unless you pay a certain amount of money or send additional images. In those cases, the person is usually contacting many people with the same threat, hoping that some victims will be frightened enough to do what the scammer demands.
Sextortion can affect anyone. However, research shows that the following groups of people are more likely to be affected:
- young adults;
- bisexual people;
- lesbians;
- Black women; and
- Native American or Indigenous women.1
You can learn more about sextortion from the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.
1 Asia A. Eaton, Divya Ramjee & Jessica F. Saunders (2022): The Relationship between Sextortion during COVID-19 and Pre-pandemic Intimate Partner Violence: A Large Study of Victimization among Diverse U.S Men and Women, Victims & Offenders, DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2021.2022057
What is cyber flashing?
Cyber flashing is when someone sends you an unwanted naked or sexual photo or video on the internet, through an app, or by text message. Most often, this takes the form of someone sending an unwanted picture of his/her genitals or exposing one’s genitals over live video. Cyber flashing can be done by someone you know or by a stranger. It can happen in lots of different situations - for example:
- on dating apps or websites;
- on social media;
- over text, WhatsApp, or other messaging apps;
- during a video call;
- over email; or
- through Airdrop or another app that allows someone to share files with people close by.1
Cyber flashing can be considered a form of online harassment and sexual harassment. In some cases, it may be part of a pattern of abuse designed to cause you emotional distress. A few states have specific laws that make it a crime or specifically state that it can be the reason to sue the abuser in civil court for money damages.
1 Information adapted from Rape Crisis England and Wales
Where can I get help if I am the victim of abuse involving sexual or intimate images?
A lawyer may be able to help you figure out what laws apply to your situation. You can find legal resources on our Finding a Lawyer page by selecting your state from the drop-down menu. Or you can talk to a local domestic or sexual violence program or law enforcement. They can give you information on your options and the applicable laws.
You may also be able to find help through one of the resources listed on our National Organizations - Posting Nude/Sexual Images Without Consent/“Revenge Porn” page.
