April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an important time to speak clearly about the forms of abuse that are often minimized, hidden, or misunderstood.
One of those forms is the threat to share intimate images without consent.
This is not harmless. It is not ‘drama’. It is not something anyone should be expected to manage alone. It is a form of coercion, control, and intimidation. In many cases, it is used to silence victims, force continued contact, create fear, or pressure someone into doing something against their will.
When intimate images are used as leverage, the harm is real. The emotional impact can be immediate, and the fear of exposure can be overwhelming. No one deserves to live under that kind of threat.
This Is About Power and Control
Threats to share intimate images are often part of a broader pattern of abuse. The goal is not only to embarrass someone, but to gain power over them.
A person may threaten to send images to family, friends, a partner, coworkers, or others in the community. They may use the threat to manipulate, extort, isolate, or silence the victim. Even when the image has not yet been shared, the threat itself can create serious harm.
Sharing intimate images without consent is a crime. Threats connected to that conduct can also be part of harassment, coercion, and other abusive behaviour.
This is why it must be taken seriously.
What to Do If This Is Happening to You
If someone is threatening to share an intimate image or video of you, taking a few important steps can help protect your safety and preserve evidence.
- Stop contact if it is safe to do so.
You do not need to keep responding to the person. If possible, stop communication and block them on text, email, social media, or messaging apps. - Save the evidence.
Keep screenshots, messages, usernames, email addresses, links, and anything else that documents the threat. Do not delete messages right away, even if they are upsetting. That information may help if you decide to report what happened. - Report it.
In Winnipeg, non-emergency reports can be made by calling 204-986-6222. If there is immediate danger or an active emergency, call 911.
If the victim is a teen, reports can also be made through Cybertip.ca. Anonymous reporting may also be available through Crime Stoppers.
Take action if the content is online.
If an image or video has already been shared, there are resources that may help with reporting and removal. These include:
Reaching out early can make a difference.
Support Starts With Believing Victims
Digital abuse is still abuse. It is just as serious. The fact that it happens through a phone, a message, or a private account does not make it less serious.
Victims may feel shame, panic, isolation, or fear of being judged. Some stay silent because they worry they will be blamed. Others are afraid the situation will get worse if they speak up.
That is why awareness matters.
It is also why our response matters. When someone says they are being threatened with the sharing of intimate images, they need to be believed, supported, and taken seriously. They do not need blame, judgment, or questions that shift responsibility onto them.
No one should be controlled through fear, humiliation, or sexual coercion.
Watch The Video
Help Is Available
If someone is threatening to share your intimate images, know this clearly: you are not alone, and help is available.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For non-emergency reporting in Winnipeg, call 204-986-6222.
For teens, reporting and support are also available through Cybertip.ca.
Speaking up can be difficult. Reaching out can be the first step toward safety.
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