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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations unsolicited explicit images • unwanted sexual images • unwanted nudes • unsolicited nudes • receiving dick pics • cyberflashing • sexual images won’t stop • asked them to stop • blocked but they return • explicit images in dms • harassment by messages • sexual harassment online • unknown sender explicit pics • explicit photos from someone • repeated sexual messages • feeling unsafe online • worried they’ll escalate • explicit images at work • colleague sent explicit images • dating app explicit pictures

What to do if…
you keep receiving unsolicited explicit images and it will not stop after you ask

Short answer

Stop engaging, make it harder for them to reach you (block/report/lock down settings), and keep a small record only if it won’t re-distress you.

Do not do these things

  • Do not reply again to “warn” them, argue, negotiate, or try to shame them — it often increases contact.
  • Do not share the images with friends/groups for advice (it can spread the harm and complicate reporting).
  • Do not click links, download files, or move the chat to another app “to explain” — it can be a setup for scams or escalation.
  • Do not post their details publicly as a first move — it can backfire and make you easier to target.
  • Do not feel you must report immediately if you’re overwhelmed — stabilising first is allowed.

What to do now

  1. Create a quick safety pause. Put your phone face-down, step away for 60 seconds, and decide: “My next action is to reduce contact, not to ‘solve’ this right now.”
  2. Stop the channel they are using.
    • Block the sender account(s).
    • Use the platform’s report tool for harassment / sexual content / unsolicited nudity.
    • If it allows, report both the account and the specific message/image.
  3. Lock down how people can reach you (2–3 settings only).
    • Restrict DMs/messages to “friends/contacts only”, or “people you follow”.
    • Turn off message requests, or move unknown senders to a filtered folder.
    • If new accounts keep appearing, temporarily make your profile private and limit who can comment/tag/DM you.
  4. Preserve options without overdoing “evidence.”
    • You do not have to gather screenshots before reporting.
    • If it won’t worsen your distress, take one set of screenshots showing: the account name/ID, the message thread with timestamps, and any threats/coercion.
    • Save them somewhere you don’t have to look at them again.
  5. If this is connected to work, use a work channel to stop it.
    • If it’s a colleague/customer/client, report it to your manager/HR using your employer’s harassment process.
    • If you feel unsafe doing that alone, ask a trusted colleague to sit with you while you send the report.
  6. If you want official help, choose the least-draining route.
    • If you’re in immediate danger or someone is trying to locate you: call 999.
    • Otherwise, contact the police via 101 or your local force’s online reporting.
    • In England and Wales, sending unsolicited genital images (“cyberflashing”) is a specific criminal offence; in Scotland/Northern Ireland, other offences may apply — you can still report what happened and get advice.
  7. If a child/young person is involved (as sender or recipient), escalate immediately.
    • If you believe a child is at risk right now: call 999.
    • If you’re worried about online sexual abuse/grooming or sexual communication with a child: make a report to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection).
    • If someone under 18 is worried about a nude/sexual image of themselves being shared, Childline “Report Remove” can help request takedown.
  8. Get support that won’t pressure you.
    • If this links to image-based abuse, threats to share images, stalking, or blackmail, specialist services can help you choose next steps and reduce ongoing harm.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to “make a case” or pursue a formal complaint.
  • You do not need to write a long statement, collect every message, or prove intent right now.
  • You do not need to confront the person, figure out why they’re doing it, or “teach them a lesson.”
  • You do not need to change all your accounts — only the one or two settings that stop contact.

Important reassurance

Receiving unsolicited explicit images can feel shocking, violating, or nauseating — even if you’re “fine on paper.” Your reaction is a normal response to a boundary being crossed. The priority is to reduce contact and get you back to a steadier place before any bigger decisions.

Scope note

This is first steps only: stabilise, stop the contact, and preserve options. If there’s ongoing harassment, a workplace power imbalance, stalking, threats, or blackmail, specialist support can help you avoid steps that increase risk.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Processes and offences can differ across the UK (for example between England/Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). If you’re unsure what applies where you are, it’s still appropriate to block/report on the platform and seek support while you decide whether to involve your workplace or the police.

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