What to do if you shared someone's intimate image or video
If a young person shares a sexual image of someone online, there are steps they can take to limit potential harm. This guide walks them through what to do.
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Hosted on https://www.esafety.gov.au/ • Opens in a new tab
Published on 2025
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Share with a young person who has disclosed that they have shared sexual images of someone online
Share with young people as part of prevention and early intervention, as they may not always disclose if they have shared ‘intimate’ images of someone
Share with parents, carers and other trusted adults in a child or young person’s life so they can help young people take appropriate steps to reduce the potential harm of sharing images online
It covers
What constitutes image-based abuse or ‘revenge porn’
The consequences of sharing or ‘leaking’ sexual photos for the person who has shared them - whether the photo was of a young person or an adult
Steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of images
Steps to prevent image-based abuse – including what to do if someone shares an image or shows you an image
Links to services
Open this resource
Hosted on https://www.esafety.gov.au/ • Opens in a new tab
If you are a young person
You’re in the right place! This is written for you – it can help you understand what can happen if you share or leak ‘intimate’, ‘nude’ or sexual photos of someone online. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 15 July 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
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Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.