PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations someone collecting my photos • my photos being saved online • sexual comments about me online • being sexualised across platforms • strangers posting about me sexually • someone making explicit remarks about me • my pictures shared without consent • my photos reposted by someone • creepy comments under my photos • being targeted on multiple apps • online harassment sexual comments • cyberstalking with my photos • someone compiling my pictures • worried someone is obsessing over me • fake accounts using my photos • being doxxed with sexual comments • non-consensual image sharing fear • image-based abuse concern • sexualised content made about me

What to do if…
you realise someone is collecting your photos and making sexual comments about you across platforms

Short answer

Pause and make this safer and more containable: lock down your accounts, stop engaging with the person, and start preserving evidence while you report the accounts/posts in-app. If you feel in danger or they’re escalating (threats, trying to contact you offline), call the police.

Do not do these things

  • Do not message, argue with, or “warn” them (it often escalates and gives them feedback).
  • Do not post public call-outs with their username or screenshots (it can amplify it and create more copies).
  • Do not delete everything immediately if you might want help from platforms/police later (delete later; preserve first).
  • Do not assume it’s “only online” if they’re repeatedly targeting you—treat patterns as meaningful.
  • Do not negotiate with blackmail/extortion demands (if this is happening, treat it as abuse and get support).

What to do now

  1. Get to a steadier moment and bring one person in.
    Tell a trusted friend/housemate what’s happening and ask them to be with you (physically or on call) while you do the next steps. If you feel at immediate risk, call 999.

  2. Preserve the minimum evidence that helps others act (keep it private).
    Make a single private folder (notes app or a document that isn’t shared) and capture:

    • screenshots (or short screen recordings) of posts/comments/messages
    • usernames/handles, platform names, and profile links
    • direct links/URLs to the content where possible
    • dates/times and anything that suggests escalation (threats, “I know where you live/work”, repeated accounts)
      Avoid saving this into shared photo albums or shared cloud folders.

  3. Lock down your visibility across platforms (fast, practical changes).
    Do these in the next 10 minutes:

    • switch accounts to private where possible
    • review who can comment/DM/tag you; restrict to “friends/followers only”
    • turn off location sharing in posts/stories; remove workplace/school from bios
    • remove or archive any photo that reveals routine locations (outside your home, regular gym, commute landmarks)

  4. Report and block in-platform (repeat per platform).
    On each platform where it’s happening:

    • report the account(s) and the specific posts/comments for harassment/sexual harassment
    • block the account(s) after reporting
    • if they’re using your photos in profiles/posts, report as impersonation or unauthorised use of my image (wording varies)

  5. If intimate images are involved (or threatened), use specialist UK help.
    If any nude/sexual images of you are being shared or threatened, contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for free, confidential support and takedown help (UK adults). They can also guide you on safer reporting and next steps. You can also use StopNCII to help prevent re-uploads on participating platforms.

  6. If you’re under 18 (or any sexual content involves someone under 18): treat it as urgent safeguarding.
    Report to CEOP. You do not need to handle this alone.

  7. Consider police contact if there’s a pattern, fear, or escalation (use official channels).
    If the behaviour has happened more than once and it’s making you feel scared/distressed/threatened, or they’re trying to identify/contact you offline, you can call 101 (non-emergency) for advice or to report stalking/harassment. If there’s immediate danger, call 999.
    If you report online, use official police reporting routes (for example via police.uk or your local police force website), not third-party “reporting” sites.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to make a formal statement, “take it to court”, or confront anyone.
  • You do not need to do a perfect privacy overhaul tonight—just the highest-risk switches (private accounts, comments/DM limits, location/routine info).
  • You do not need to respond to messages or defend yourself publicly.

Important reassurance

This is not your fault, and it makes sense if you feel shaken, angry, or embarrassed—those reactions are common when someone sexualises you without consent. Getting it contained (stop engagement, preserve proof, report through the right channels) is the safest first move.

Scope note

This guide covers first steps to stabilise, reduce exposure, and get the right support. Longer-term steps (ongoing monitoring, legal advice, workplace/school safety plans) can come later with specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or clinical advice. If you feel unsafe or the behaviour is escalating, prioritise immediate safety and contact emergency services.

Additional Resources
Support us