Revenge porn
If you’ve seen or appeared in revenge porn, read our advice and learn how to get support. You can also report it to us online, by phone, or in person
What revenge porn is
Revenge porn (sometimes called intimate image abuse) is when someone:
- threatens to share intimate photos or videos of you
- shares intimate photos or videos when you don’t want them to
- makes intimate edits or deepfakes of you
- asks someone to edit intimate photos, videos, or make intimate deepfakes
To share images and videos they might:
- show someone in person
- send it using text or a messaging app
- post it online
The images or videos could be you naked or in your underwear.
You can report revenge porn to us if you’re in Scotland. If you want to find out more, you can read Police UK’s guidance on what revenge porn is.
If they ask for money
If someone threatens to share these photos and videos unless you pay them, then it’s another crime called sextortion.
You can read our sextortion page for more advice on what it is and what to do if it happens.
What is not revenge porn
If you gave permission for the image or video to be shared before, and it’s still being shared, it may not be revenge porn.
If you’re not sure, you can speak to the Revenge Porn Helpline (if you’re 18 or older) or Childline (if you’re 18 or younger) for free advice.
How to report revenge porn
If you’re in severe distress or having thoughts of self-harm, you can get mental health support.
If you want to tell us about revenge porn, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.
What to do if revenge porn happens
If someone has shared intimate photos or videos of you, you should:
- report it to the social media or website it was shared on
- save or screenshot photos and messages (to give to us when you report it)
- block the sender
- Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse who can help stop it being shared
- Report Remove can help stop it being shared if the image is of someone under 18
If you report it to us, it can help if you record:
- what was said or sent
- what platform, website, or app it was on
- when it was sent or posted
- the sender's name or username (if known)
Get support from other organisations
If you’re an adult
If you’re an adult you can get help from:
- Revenge Porn Helpline offers free, confidential support for people who have experienced revenge porn
- Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (Stop NCII) is a free tool to support victims of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse
- The Cyber Helpline gives free expert advice for people who experience online harm or cybercrime
- Get Safe Online for advice on how to protect yourself online
- Samaritans is a safe place for you to talk about whatever is affecting you (phone: 116 123 24)
If you’re under 18
You can get help from:
- Report Remove can help report and remove the images if you’re 18 or younger
- Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (Stop NCII) is a free tool to support victims of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse
- The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) lets you report online abuse and has advisors that can help young people
- UK Safer Internet Centre has a hotline, reporting tool, and advice to help protect young people online
- Get Safe Online for advice on how to protect yourself online
- Childline for a free, confidential helpline for any problem (phone: 0800 1111)
If you’re a parent or you work with young people
For advice on how to talk to young people about revenge porn, or help them stay safe online, you can check:
- The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) lets you report online abuse and has advisors that can help young people
- CEOP Education has advice from the National Crime Agency on how to protect young people from online sexual abuse
- Internet Matters has advice for young people and anyone who supports them on how to stay safe online
- UK Safer Internet Centre has a hotline, reporting tool, and advice to help protect young people online
- Parent Club helps parents in Scotland support their children
- NSPCC for a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for any kind of problem (phone: 0808 800 5000)
Ways to protect yourself from revenge porn
To help reduce the risk of revenge porn, you can:
- refuse to share anything that makes you uncomfortable
- make your social media private
- avoid adding anyone you do not know
- create strong passwords using advice from the National Cyber Security Centre
- read advice on how to use social media safely from the National Cyber Security Centre