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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations intimate images used against me • being threatened with nudes • revenge porn threat • intimate image abuse • image-based abuse • sexual images blackmail • coercive control with photos • partner threatening to share images • ex threatening to leak pictures • webcam blackmail • sextortion by someone i know • deepfake nude threat • non-consensual sharing risk • pressured to do things for photos • intimate videos used to control • someone has private photos of me • threatened to send images to family • threatened to post images online

What to do if…
someone you know is using intimate images to control or intimidate you

Short answer

Get to a calmer, safer pause and tell a specialist support service what’s happening. Do not negotiate or comply “just to make it stop” — focus on safety, support, and stopping further sharing.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay, send more images, or agree to demands “to buy time” — it usually escalates.
  • Don’t get pulled into long arguments, threats, or “proof” exchanges.
  • Don’t delete messages/voicemails in a panic (they may be useful later).
  • If you want an account gone, deactivate rather than delete it (where you can) to reduce spread while keeping access for reporting.
  • Don’t forward or share the images with anyone “for proof”.
  • Don’t screenshot or store intimate images if there’s any chance anyone shown is under 18.
  • Don’t confront them in person if you feel unsafe, trapped, or at risk of violence.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause (and get urgent help if you’re at risk).
    If you feel in immediate danger, call 999. If you’re not in immediate danger but need police help, call 101.

  2. Stop the direct pressure: switch to “one-way, low-contact.”
    You’re allowed to pause. If you need to reply at all, send one short message like: “I can’t talk about this now.” Then stop engaging. Mute notifications. Consider blocking once you’ve saved key details (next step).

  3. Save the minimum detail that proves the threat (only if it’s safe).
    You do not need “perfect evidence” to ask for help or report. If you can, save:

    • screenshots of the threats/demands and identifying details (usernames, numbers, dates)
    • the message thread export/download if the app allows
      Avoid saving the intimate images themselves. If you already have them, don’t re-share them.

  4. Get specialist help for intimate image abuse (you don’t have to report to police to get help).
    Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (UK, adults 18+) for practical support and takedown guidance.

  5. If you are under 18 (or you’re not sure): treat this as child safety.
    Do not screenshot, store, or forward intimate images. Save only the threatening text and usernames, and report via the CEOP Safety Centre (and/or 999 if you’re in immediate danger).

  6. Report and limit spread on platforms (one platform at a time).

    • Use in-app reporting for non-consensual intimate images / harassment / blackmail.
    • Ask a trusted person to sit with you while you do it if you feel overwhelmed, but don’t send them the images.
    • If you’re worried images might be uploaded, consider using StopNCII.org to help participating platforms block re-uploads (it creates a “hash” on your device).

  7. If there’s any sexual violence element, get 24/7 specialist support too.
    You can contact Rape Crisis England & Wales’ 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line (by phone or online chat) even if you’re unsure what “counts”.

  8. Improve your digital safety in 10 minutes (only what’s urgent).

    • Change passwords for your email, messaging, and social accounts; enable two-factor authentication.
    • Check for unknown device logins and sign out of other sessions.
    • If they know your phone PIN or have had access to your device, change your PIN and review privacy settings.

  9. If this is happening in a relationship or by an ex, treat it as abuse and get support.
    Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) for confidential support and safety planning, especially if you share a home, children, finances, or they monitor your phone.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether to make a formal statement, pursue charges, or take legal action.
  • You don’t need to write the “perfect” report or collect lots of material right now.
  • You don’t need to explain this to everyone — focus on one safe person and one support route first.

Important reassurance

This is a common tactic used to control people, and it can feel intensely frightening and isolating. Feeling panicked, ashamed, or frozen is a normal response to coercion — it does not mean you did anything wrong.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise, reduce immediate risk, and connect you to specialist support. Later steps (like longer-term safety planning, legal options, or ongoing takedowns) can be handled with help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for professional support. If you feel unsafe, prioritise immediate safety and urgent help.

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