Abuse Using Technology

Sexting can be consensual. It is not itself a sign of abuse. However, an abuser could use photos, videos, or messages shared through sexting to maintain power and control over you. For example, the abuser may later threaten to share these images or may actually share them with others. To learn more about laws on these topics, see our Abuse Involving Nude/Sexual Images page.  If an abuser is threatening to post your images, there are tools that may be able to help you. StopNCII is a tool for adults and Take It Down is a tool for minors.

An abuser could also blackmail you once s/he gains access to images and messages shared through sexting. S/he may pressure or threaten you to continue to send photos, videos, or messages even if you do not want to. For more information on this type of blackmail, go to What is “sextortion”?

An abuser could also harass you by sexting after you asked him/her to stop. Sending unwanted sexual photos or videos is sometimes called “cyber flashing.” You may have legal options if someone is harassing you in this way. These could include reporting crimes to the police, filing for a restraining order, or suing the abuser.