Intimate Image Abuse is where a partner or ex- shares intimate images of you on- or off-line, without your consent. They may be photographs, or videos. They may have originally been made with your consent, or you may have been coerced into it at the time. Either way, someone sharing these images without your consent is a type of domestic abuse.

Image-based sexual abuse can be extremely distressing, with victims feeling humiliated, embarrassed, ashamed and even suicidal to have these images seen by others. It can have a devastating effect on mental health, and can affect work and other relationships. Within domestic abuse, it can be a tool for coercion, or extortion, or a way of the perpetrator further humiliating their partner. It is also a criminal act.

When it happens after the end of a relationship, it is sometimes called "Revenge Porn", although this is problematic as it suggests that the victim has done something to deserve revenge.

Intimate images can also be made and shared by a stranger, like "Upskirting", the taking of photos up someone's skirt or dress. It is now a sexual offence, in England & Wales.

If any of this has happened to you, you deserve support.

You can phone our Helpline 0808 801 0500, or get advice by email [email protected]

You can also find helpful information on the Revenge Porn Helpline website