PanicStation.org
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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations intimate images used against me • being threatened with nudes • revenge porn threat • nonconsensual intimate images • image-based sexual abuse • sextortion by someone i know • blackmail with sexual photos • partner threatening to leak pics • ex threatening to share videos • deepfake nude threat • threatened to send to family • threatened to post online • pressured to do things for photos • intimate videos used to control • someone has private photos of me • coercion with explicit images • online blackmail sexual images • threatened with exposure

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

Short answer

Get to a safer pause and contact a specialist support service right now. Don’t negotiate or comply — focus on safety, support, and stopping further sharing.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay, send more images, or do what they demand “to end it” — it often increases demands.
  • Don’t get pulled into long arguments, threats, or “proof” exchanges.
  • Don’t delete messages, emails, or voicemails in a panic (they may matter later).
  • If you want an account gone, deactivate rather than delete it (where you can) so you can still report and document what happened.
  • Don’t forward the images to friends/family “so they understand”.
  • Don’t screenshot/store explicit images if there’s any chance anyone shown is a minor.
  • Don’t meet them in person to “sort it out” if you feel unsafe.

What to do now

  1. Get to safety first.
    If you feel in immediate danger, call 911. If you can, move to a safer location and contact someone you trust to stay with you (in person or on the phone).

  2. Stop the direct pressure: reduce contact immediately.
    You don’t owe them replies. If you need to respond at all, send one short message like: “I’m not discussing this.” Then stop engaging. Mute, block, or filter messages once you’ve saved key details (next step).

  3. Save the minimum evidence safely (only what’s necessary, only if safe).
    You don’t need “perfect evidence” to get help. If you can, save:

    • screenshots of threats, demands, usernames, phone numbers, payment requests, dates/times
    • the chat export/download if the app allows
      Avoid saving or re-sharing the intimate images themselves.

  4. If you are under 18 (or the images might involve a minor): treat this as child safety.
    Do not save, screenshot, or share the images. Get a trusted adult if you can. Report to NCMEC CyberTipline (online) and/or your local police. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.

  5. Call the CCRI Image Abuse Helpline (specialists in image abuse, sextortion, takedowns).
    Call 1-844-878-2274 for confidential support and practical guidance.

  6. Get confidential sexual assault support (even if you’re unsure what “counts”).
    RAINN: call 800-656-HOPE (4673), chat online, or text HOPE to 64673.

  7. If this is connected to relationship abuse, get domestic violence support and safety planning.
    National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 (especially important if they can access your home, phone, money, or kids).

  8. Report where the harm is happening (one place at a time).

    • Report the account/content in the app/site using options like non-consensual intimate imagery, harassment, blackmail, extortion.
    • If money is demanded or threats escalate, consider reporting to IC3 as well.

  9. Do a quick “damage control” digital safety check (10 minutes).

    • Change passwords for email and main accounts; turn on two-factor authentication.
    • Review logged-in devices/sessions and sign out of unknown ones.
    • If they’ve had access to your phone, change your device passcode and review privacy/sharing settings.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether to pursue criminal charges or a restraining/protection order.
  • You don’t need to collect “perfect” evidence or contact every platform tonight.
  • You don’t need to explain details to lots of people — focus on one safe person and one support channel first.

Important reassurance

Being threatened with exposure is a coercion tactic designed to trigger panic and compliance. Your reaction — fear, freezing, shame, confusion — is a normal response to intimidation. This is not your fault.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise, reduce immediate risk, and connect you to specialist support. Longer-term steps (legal options, ongoing takedowns, safety planning) are easier with an advocate.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for professional care. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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