The non consensual sharing of explicit images is a serious and growing issue. Often referred to as “revenge porn”, this conduct is both a criminal offence and a civil wrong in England and Wales.
If your images have been shared without your consent, it is important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take.
The Criminal Law Position
Under section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, it is an offence to disclose private sexual photographs or films without consent and with the intention of causing distress.
A person commits an offence if they share an explicit image of another person without consent and with the intention of causing distress. The offence can apply whether the image was originally shared privately or obtained in another way.
In recent years, the law has been strengthened. The Online Safety Act 2023 expands protections to cover threats to share intimate images and removes the need to prove intent to cause distress in some cases.
Conviction can result in imprisonment and inclusion on the sex offenders register.
Civil Remedies Available
In addition to criminal action, victims can pursue civil claims. These may include misuse of private information, breach of confidence, and harassment.
Civil proceedings can result in injunctions to remove content and prevent further sharing. Courts can also award damages for distress and harm caused.
What Should You Do If It Happens?
If explicit images have been shared without your consent, acting quickly is crucial. You should consider:
- Reporting the matter to the police
- Preserving evidence such as screenshots and links
- Contacting the platform to request removal
- Seeking legal advice on injunctions
- Accessing specialist support organisations
The Role of Online Platforms
Social media companies are increasingly required to respond to reports of harmful content. Many platforms have specific processes for reporting non consensual images.
Under the evolving regulatory framework, companies may face penalties for failing to act. However, removal is not always immediate, and legal action may still be necessary to fully protect your position.
Protecting Yourself Moving Forward
While responsibility lies with the person sharing the image, there are steps you can take to reduce risk. This includes being cautious when sharing intimate content, using secure platforms, and seeking advice if you are being threatened.
Importantly, victims should not feel blamed. The law is clear that sharing images without consent is wrong.
Conclusion
If explicit images of you have been shared without consent, you have strong legal protections in England and Wales. Both criminal and civil remedies are available to hold the responsible party accountable and limit further harm.
Need Legal Advice?
At Penerley Solicitors, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We provide discreet, expert advice to help you take control of the situation.
Contact us today for confidential support and immediate legal assistance.
