This Was Not Your Fault

My Ex Shared My Photos
Without My Consent

What your ex did is wrong, and in most states, it's a crime. You trusted someone in a relationship, and they betrayed that trust. There are real steps you can take right now to get your content removed and hold them accountable.

What They Did Is Illegal

Sharing intimate photos without consent—sometimes called "revenge porn"—is a crime in 48 states plus DC. It doesn't matter if you took the photos yourself, if you sent them willingly during the relationship, or if your ex is angry. Sharing them was their choice, and it was illegal.

You are not to blame. Trusting a partner with intimate images is normal. The person who violated that trust is the only one who did something wrong.

What To Do Right Now

Follow these steps at your own pace—your wellbeing comes first

1

Document Everything

First step

Screenshot every URL, post, message, or profile where your content appears. If your ex sent threatening messages or admitted to sharing, capture those too. This evidence is critical for platform reports, legal action, and law enforcement.

2

Do Not Confront Your Ex

Important

As tempting as it is, direct confrontation can backfire. They may delete evidence, create more copies, or escalate. Let the legal process handle it. If they're still threatening you, save those messages and go straight to law enforcement.

3

Report to Every Platform

Same day

Report the content on every platform where it appears. Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter/X, and most other sites have specific NCII (non-consensual intimate imagery) reporting processes with fast turnaround times.

4

File with Google for Search Removal

Same day

Even if a site is slow to remove content, Google will delist NCII from search results. This means no one can find it by searching your name. Submit a removal request through Google's NCII form.

5

Use StopNCII.org

Same day

Create a digital fingerprint (hash) of your images through StopNCII.org. This doesn't upload your photos—it creates a unique code that major platforms use to automatically block your content if someone tries to re-upload it.

6

Consider Legal Action

When ready

You can file a police report (this is a crime), pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, or both. Many attorneys who specialize in image-based abuse cases offer free consultations and work on contingency.

Know Your Rights

The law is firmly on your side

State Criminal Laws

48 states plus DC criminalize non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on state, with potential jail time and fines for offenders.

Federal SHIELD Act

The federal SHIELD Act criminalizes non-consensual distribution of intimate images nationwide, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison. This applies even in the two states without specific state laws.

Civil Remedies

You can sue your ex for emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and damages. Courts have awarded significant settlements in these cases. Many attorneys work on contingency—no upfront cost to you.

Your Options

Handle It Yourself

You can report directly to platforms and search engines. It takes time but is effective.

  • Free—just requires time and effort
  • Direct control over the process
  • May need to view content to report
  • Can be emotionally taxing
  • Follow-up often needed

Professional Help

We handle the entire removal process so you don't have to relive the experience.

  • 100% confidential
  • We handle all platform reports
  • You never have to view the content
  • Search engine removal included
  • Legal referrals available
  • Ongoing monitoring for re-uploads

Questions You Might Have

Is it illegal for my ex to share my intimate photos?

Yes. 48 states plus DC have laws criminalizing non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The federal SHIELD Act also provides nationwide protection. Even if images were originally shared consensually within the relationship, distributing them without your permission is a crime.

What if I sent the photos voluntarily?

It doesn't matter. Sending photos to a partner is not consent to share them with the world. Every revenge porn law recognizes this. You trusted someone in a private context—they violated that trust and the law.

Can I get the photos removed from the internet?

Yes. Most platforms have specific policies for removing non-consensual intimate images (NCII). Google will delist NCII from search results. Professional removal services can handle this quickly and confidentially so you don't have to deal with it yourself.

Should I confront my ex about it?

No. Direct confrontation can complicate legal proceedings and give them warning to spread content further or create backups. Document everything first, then consider your legal options. Let attorneys or law enforcement handle communication.

What if my ex is threatening to share more?

This is sextortion and is a separate crime. Do not give in to threats. Document all threatening messages, report to law enforcement immediately, and use StopNCII.org to pre-block your images on major platforms.

Can I sue my ex for sharing my photos?

Yes. You can pursue both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Civil suits can recover damages for emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and more. Many attorneys take these cases on contingency, meaning no upfront cost to you.

Support Resources

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative

24/7 crisis helpline for image abuse victims

844-878-2274

StopNCII.org

Pre-block your images on major platforms

stopncii.org →

RAINN

National Sexual Assault Hotline

800-656-4673

Related Help

More guides for your situation

Removal Services →Revenge Porn Help →

You Deserve To Feel Safe Again

What your ex did was wrong and illegal. You have every right to get your content removed, hold them accountable, and move forward. We're here to help—confidentially and without judgment.