PanicStation.org
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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations filmed without consent • photographed without consent • secret recording sexual • hidden camera sexual situation • someone took nude photo • intimate video taken • nonconsensual intimate images • image based abuse • revenge porn fear • private video shared • threatened to share images • sextortion threat • deepfake sexual images • explicit images online • someone has my nudes • recorded during sex • spy cam suspicion • leaked intimate content • blackmail with photos

What to do if…
you think you were filmed or photographed in a sexual situation without consenting

Short answer

Get to a calmer, safer moment, then contact a specialist UK support service for intimate image abuse and start takedown/prevention steps before you confront anyone or respond to threats.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t confront the suspected person while you’re panicked (it can escalate, and it can destroy options you may want later).
  • Don’t pay, negotiate, or keep replying to threats (especially “send money or I’ll share”).
  • Don’t send more images “to prove” anything, or to “keep them happy”.
  • Don’t forward the content to friends “for advice” (even with good intent, it can spread it further).
  • Don’t keep re-watching/re-checking content if you find it (it can intensify distress; take practical steps instead).
  • If someone is threatening to hurt you, find you, or is pressuring you in person, don’t handle it alone — call 999.

What to do now

  1. Move to a safer pause and get someone alongside you. If you’re physically with the person you suspect, create space (go to a different room, leave, call someone you trust). If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
  2. If you are 18+, contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (free, confidential). Tell them you think you were recorded/photographed without consent and you want help with takedown and next steps. You do not need to be “sure” before reaching out.
  3. If you’re being blackmailed or threatened (“sextortion”), stop engaging and get help. Don’t pay. Save the threat messages (without forwarding them), then report to your local police on 101 (or 999 if you’re at immediate risk). Consider using the National Crime Agency’s sextortion guidance to steady your next steps.
  4. If you have the actual image/video file(s), consider using StopNCII.org. It can create a “digital fingerprint” that participating platforms can use to block re-uploads. (If you don’t have the file, skip this step.)
  5. If anything is online (or you know where it was sent), report it where it is. Use in-app reporting for “non-consensual intimate imagery / intimate image abuse”. If you’re overwhelmed, use Report Harmful Content to find the right reporting path for common services.
  6. If you may want to report later, preserve what you can without spreading it. Note the account name, profile links, URLs, dates/times, and keep any threat messages. If you can do so calmly, take screenshots of the page plus the URL bar and of threats. Then stop.
  7. If you were under 18 when any image/video was made, use child-safety routes (even if you’re an adult now). Do not send the image/video to anyone. Get support via Childline’s Report Remove tool (for getting images removed) and/or make a report to CEOP. If you feel at risk or there’s an immediate threat, call 999.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether to report to police.
  • You don’t need to prove what happened before asking for help.
  • You don’t need to contact the person who may have recorded you today.
  • You don’t need to write a perfect statement or collect “all the evidence” before getting support.

Important reassurance

This kind of fear response (shock, nausea, racing thoughts, compulsive checking) is a normal reaction to a serious boundary violation. You’re allowed to slow down, get support, and choose your next steps—no matter what anyone is threatening.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise and reduce harm. Later steps (legal options, workplace/school safeguarding, longer-term safety planning) can be taken with specialist support once you’re steadier.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you feel unsafe or are being threatened, prioritise immediate safety and specialist support. If you were under 18 when any image was made, use child-safety routes and get urgent help.

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