When Someone Shares Your Intimate Images Without Permission
What Is Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII or NDII)?
Non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) or Non-consensual Disclosure of Intimate Imagery (NDII) are terms that describe when someone takes or shares an intimate image or video of you without your permission. This is also called image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). It can take various forms, such as:
Revenge Porn, i.e. when a former partner shares an intimate image or video to harm their former partner;
Cyber-Harassment or Cyber- Bullying, i.e. when someone shares Intimate Imagery or Deepfake Porn to harass, humiliate or harm your reputation;
Sextortion, i.e. when anyone uses an intimate image or video or deepfake of you to try to coerce you into doing something like sending them crypto or fiat money.
Non-Consensual Pornography, i.e. when someone you don’t know posts or shares your intimate image or video without your consent.
Violation of your Right of Publicity, i.e. when someone shares your intimate image or video without your consent for commercial gain.
This Is Not Your Fault
If this has happened to you, it's important to know that you did nothing wrong. The person who shared your images without permission committed a crime and violated your privacy, not you.
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Ensure Your Safety First
If you're concerned about your physical safety or if this is part of domestic violence, contact:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Local law enforcement: 911
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
2. Document What Happened
If it's safe to do so, take screenshots of:
The images
Where the images were posted, i.e. the URL or Web address
Any messages or threats you received
The date and time you discovered the images
Any evidence of who might have shared them
3. Report the Images for Removal
Social media platforms: Most have policies against this content and removal processes
Search engines: Google, Bing, and others will remove these images from search results
Websites: Contact the website directly to request removal
StopNCII.org: Free tool to prevent images from being shared across multiple platforms
4. Get Legal Help
Laws exist to protect you. Both federal and state laws make sharing intimate images without consent illegal.
Your Legal Rights
Federal Protection
Under Federal Law (15 U.S.C. § 6851):
You can sue the person who shared your images
You can recover up to $150,000 in damages
You can get a court order to stop further sharing
You can use a fake name in court to protect your identity
The person who shared your images pays your attorney fees if you win
Under the TAKE IT DOWN Act (2025):
Sharing intimate images without consent is now a federal crime
Penalties include up to 2 years in prison (3 years if you're under 18)
Websites must remove reported images within 48 hours
State Protection
All 50 states have laws protecting victims of non-consensual intimate imagery. In states where we primarily practice:
Pennsylvania:
Criminal penalties for the person who shared your images
You can sue for damages (minimum $500, up to three times your actual losses)
You get attorney fees and costs if you win
New Jersey:
Broader protections than many states
Serious criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison)
Civil lawsuit options with significant damages
New York:
Focus on emotional harm to victims
Criminal penalties up to 1 year in prison
Strong civil remedies and privacy protections
Texas:
Comprehensive protection regardless of relationship to perpetrator
Civil lawsuit options including punitive damages
No requirement to prove intent to harm
How We Help Victims
Immediate Crisis Response
Affordable Cease & Desist Letters
Emergency court orders to stop further sharing
Platform takedown requests to remove images quickly
Evidence preservation to protect your case
Privacy protection throughout the legal process
Long-term Legal Action
Damage recovery for emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses
Accountability through civil lawsuits against perpetrators
Injunctive relief to prevent future violations
Platform liability when websites fail to remove content
Working Nationwide
While we're licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, we represent victims across the United States in federal court and work with local counsel when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much will this cost? A: We understand that cost is a major concern for victims. We offer several options including pro bono representation for qualifying cases, discounted rates, and limited scope representation where we handle specific parts of your case. Contact us to discuss what options might work for your situation.
Q: Can I keep my name private? A: Yes, federal law specifically allows victims to use pseudonyms (fake names) in court to protect their identity.
Q: What if the person who shared my images is in another state? A: We can still help. Federal law and interstate legal procedures allow us to pursue cases across state lines.
Q: Will this go to trial? A: Many cases settle before trial, but we're prepared to take your case to court if necessary to get you the justice you deserve.
Q: What if I can't afford a lawyer? A: Contact us for a free consultation. We work on contingency for many cases, and there are also pro bono resources available.
Resources for Immediate Help
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Safety Center: cybercivilrights.org/ccri-safety-center/
Image Abuse Helpline: 1-844-878-2274
StopNCII.org: Free tool to prevent image sharing
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Take Action Today
If someone has shared your intimate images without permission, you have rights and options. The sooner you act, the better we can protect you and hold the perpetrator accountable.
Contact Tese Law today for a confidential consultation about your case.
Remember: This happened to you, but it doesn't define you. You have the power to fight back, and we're here to help.