Skip to site content Skip to main menu

Tell us whether you accept cookies

We use cookies to collect information about how you use the Police Scotland website. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services.

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.

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

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:

If you’re under 18

You can get help from:

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:

Ways to protect yourself from revenge porn

To help reduce the risk of revenge porn, you can: