Abuse Using Technology

The act of sexting can be consensual and is not itself a sign of abuse. However, an abuser could use photographs, 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. Our Abuse Involving Nude/Sexual Images page has more information about the laws related to the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images.

Additionally, an abuser may blackmail you once s/he gains access to images and messages shared through sexting. An abuser may also pressure or threaten you to continue to send photographs, videos, or messages even if you do not wish to do so.

An abuser could also harass you by sexting you even if you have asked for the communication to stop. For example, an abuser might continue to send you sexual images or videos of himself/herself even if you no longer want to receive that content. If an abuser is harassing you, you may have criminal and civil legal options, such as reporting any criminal behavior to police or filing for a restraining order if eligible.