Abuse Using Technology

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