Reporting Image-Based Abuse Involving a Young Person
Image-based abuse — sometimes called non-consensual sharing of intimate images or 'revenge porn' — involves the sharing or threatening to share intimate or sexual images without consent. When the person depicted is under 18, the images are classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) under UK law, regardless of how they were created or shared. There are specialist services for both the removal of images and criminal reporting.
Immediate danger — call 999
If the young person is in immediate danger of self-harm or suicide following image-based abuse, call 999 or take them to A&E immediately.
What to report
- •Intimate images of a young person that have been shared without their consent
- •Threats to share intimate images unless demands are met (sextortion)
- •Sexual images of an under-18 shared by anyone, including a peer
- •Images shared in group chats, on social media, or via messaging apps
- •Someone collecting or distributing intimate images of multiple young people
How to report
Revenge Porn Helpline
When to use
For advice on image removal, platform reporting, and next steps — especially if the young person is 18 or over
How to contact
Call 0345 6000 459 (Mon–Fri 10am–4pm) or use the online form at revengepornhelpline.org.uk. For under-18s, the Helpline can advise on IWF reporting and CEOP.
What to expect
The Helpline provides expert advice on image removal from platforms and search engines. In many cases, they will contact platforms directly on your behalf. They do not charge for this service.
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
When to use
When the young person is under 18 and their intimate images have been shared online
How to contact
Report at iwf.org.uk. For under-18 imagery, this is classified as CSAM and the IWF has authority to issue global removal notices. Report the URL where the image appears.
What to expect
IWF assesses reports rapidly — typically within 24 hours. If the image is confirmed as CSAM, global takedown notices are issued and the URL is added to the UK block list. They do not share your details with third parties.
StopNCII.org
When to use
To prevent images spreading further online, including to new platforms and websites
How to contact
Visit stopncii.org. This free tool creates a digital fingerprint of the image (without uploading the image itself) and distributes the fingerprint to participating platforms, which can then detect and block the image automatically.
What to expect
Once enrolled, participating platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others — will receive the fingerprint and can prevent the image being uploaded. This works as an ongoing preventative measure even after initial removal.
Police — 101 (or 999 if immediate risk)
When to use
To report the criminal offence of sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent
How to contact
Call 101. Under the Intimate Images (Protection) Act 2023, sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offence. The sharing of intimate images of under-18s is a more serious offence under CSAM legislation.
What to expect
Police will record the offence and investigate. They may seek a takedown order from the court or contact the platform directly. For under-18 victims, child protection procedures will also be initiated.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- URL or link to where the image has been posted (copy the exact URL before reporting)
- Screenshots showing the image in context, including the account that posted it
- Username and profile details of the account that shared the image
- Any messages or threats related to the image, including timestamps
- StopNCII case reference number (once enrolled)
- Platform report reference numbers and dates
- Do NOT send or share the image itself — simply provide the URL or account details
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image of a young person aged [age]. The image has been shared at [URL / on platform name] by the account [username]. The image was shared without consent [and is being used as a threat / and has spread to multiple places]. I have reported it to the platform on [date]. I am reporting this to you because [the person is under 18 / the image is being used for blackmail / I need police assistance with removal]."
What happens next
Image removal via IWF and StopNCII will begin quickly. Platform reports may result in content removal within hours for serious cases. Police will investigate the sharing as a criminal offence and may identify and charge the person responsible. It is important to continue supporting the young person emotionally — the shame and distress caused by image-based abuse can be severe, and professional mental health support may be needed.
What not to do
- ✗Do not share or forward the image yourself, even to show others or to report it — sharing is illegal for under-18 imagery
- ✗Do not tell the young person it was their fault for sharing the image originally
- ✗Do not pay any blackmail demands
- ✗Do not attempt to contact or confront the person who shared the image
- ✗Do not delay — every hour the image remains online increases the risk of further spread
Frequently asked questions
The young person shared the image themselves originally — does that affect the report?
No. A child cannot meaningfully consent to the creation or distribution of sexual imagery. The offence is committed by the person who shared the image without consent, not by the child. You should still report, and the child should not be made to feel they are responsible.
The image is on a website we cannot get removed — what can we do?
The IWF can issue removal notices for UK-accessible sites globally. If the site refuses, IWF can work with UK internet service providers to block the URL. You can also submit the site to Google's removal tool to deindex it from search results. The Revenge Porn Helpline can guide you through each step.
Sources and further information
- Revenge Porn Helpline — Revenge Porn Helpline
- StopNCII — Image Prevention Tool — StopNCII
- IWF — Report Child Sexual Abuse Material — Internet Watch Foundation
- Intimate Images (Protection) Act 2023 — UK Parliament
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.