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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations pressured to send nudes • partner wants explicit photos • coerced into intimate videos • pressured to take intimate pictures • asked for nude selfies • unwanted sexual photo request • sexual coercion in relationship • digital sexual pressure • intimate images consent boundary • partner won't take no • threatened to share photos • threatened to leak images • pressured for sexting • controlling partner demands photos • afraid of retaliation for refusing • worried they will leak images • pressure to record sex • asked to prove love with nudes • partner keeps asking for photos • sextortion by a partner

What to do if…
a partner pressures you to take intimate photos or videos you do not want to create

Short answer

You do not need to explain or negotiate: stop the conversation, get to a safer pause, and tell someone you trust or a specialist helpline what’s happening from a safe device.

Do not do these things

  • Do not create or send anything “just to stop the pressure” or “to keep the peace”.
  • Do not let them film/photograph you “as a joke” or “just for us” if you feel unsure.
  • Do not hand over your phone, passcode, Face ID/fingerprint, or cloud passwords.
  • Do not argue about whether it “counts” as abuse; focus on safety and support first.
  • Do not delete messages if you think you may want support/reporting later.
  • Do not confront them if you feel it could escalate or you are not safely away.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. End the conversation and move to a place where you can breathe and think (another room, outside, a public space, or with a friend). If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
  2. Say one clear line (then stop engaging). For example: “I’m not doing that. Don’t ask again.” You don’t owe reasons. If they keep pushing, repeat once and disengage.
  3. Use a safer device/account to get support. If they might monitor your phone, use a friend’s phone or a device/account they can’t access (or a private browser) to reach support.
  4. Tell one person what’s happening. Choose someone who can help you stay grounded and safer today (friend/family member/colleague). A simple message is enough: “I’m being pressured to make sexual images and I need support.”
  5. If there were threats to share, or any images already exist, get specialist help early.
    • If you are 18+, contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for UK support on intimidation, threats, and takedown options (even if nothing has been posted yet).
    • If you are under 18, prioritise child-safety support and reporting routes (do not handle this alone).
  6. Reduce immediate digital risk (small, safe steps — only if it won’t escalate risk).
    • If it’s safe, change your phone unlock and the password to your email account first (email resets everything else).
    • Turn on 2-step verification on your email and main accounts.
    • Check whether your photos/videos are backing up to a shared cloud account or shared device.
    • If changes could alert them or increase danger, pause and do this with support from a specialist service.
  7. If you may want help from police or a service later, keep a minimal record (only if safe). Save screenshots of the pressure/threats, note dates/times, and keep them somewhere they cannot access (for example, a safer account or with a trusted person).
  8. Optional: if images are shared online and you are 18+, consider tools that help with removal/prevention. Some services can help stop known intimate images being re-shared across participating platforms.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to report to police.
  • You do not need to write a full statement, gather “proof”, or confront them.
  • You do not need to make relationship decisions right now—focus on safety and support first.
  • You do not need to perfect your digital security in one go; do the safest small steps.

Important reassurance

Feeling confused, guilty, or “overreacting” is common when someone you care about crosses boundaries. Pressure, manipulation, and threats around sexual images are not your fault. You’re allowed to say no, and you deserve support without being pushed into anything.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce risk and stabilise. Ongoing coercion, threats, or monitoring often needs specialist domestic abuse and/or image-abuse support to plan next steps safely.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for professional support. If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk, call 999. If you are not in immediate danger but want police help, you can use non-emergency routes (for example 101 or online reporting) when it feels safe to do so. If you are under 18, prioritise specialist child-safety support.

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