Intimate image abuse, also known as revenge porn, is the sharing of intimate images or videos without the consent of the person in the image. Girls as young as 11 have been victims of intimate image abuse. It is most common in teenagers and young adults in their mid-twenties. Intimate image abuse most commonly occurs over social media platforms, texts and other instant messaging services. 

Intimate image abuse can have a devastating impact on the victims. Many survivors report they experience long-term anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The lack of control, humiliation and violation of trust involved can have a serious psychological impact including struggling to develop future relationships.

Intimate image abuse in Scotland became illegal in 2017 when it was included in the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016. 

We are calling on people to report all intimate images they may receive without the consent of the individual to the police on 101 and we would urge survivors of intimate image abuse to know that the violation of your trust is not your fault. 

Help & Support

• Your Union's advice service has put together a list of contacts for those experiencing GBV at the following link: https://www.uwsunion.org.uk/advice/gbv/
• If you have been a victim of revenge porn we would urge you to contact the police on 101, and to contact the Revenge Porn Helpline who have specialised advice and support. https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk, Tel: 03456 000 459 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm),
• Citizen's Advice Scotland provide detailed information on what to do if your intimate photos or videos are shared without your consent - click here to view the article.

Content Warning
Please note, the video below contains detailed descriptions of acts of revenge porn from survivors from the very beginning.