Revenge Porn in Domestic Context 

In England and Wales, it is an offence to disclose private sexual photographs or films without consent and with the intention of causing distress under section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. The Online Safety Act 2023 expanded the law to cover sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent, including certain circumstances where intention to cause distress does not need to be proved. 

A conviction can result in imprisonment, a community order or a fine. The maximum sentence depends on the precise charge and whether the case is heard in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court. Courts may also impose Restraining Orders or other protective measures. 

Threatening to share an intimate image without consent can itself amount to a criminal offence under current legislation. Even where no image was ultimately disclosed, you may still face prosecution. 

Yes. Consent to create or receive an intimate image does not automatically mean consent to distribute it further. Sharing it without permission may still constitute a criminal offence. 

Intent is an important element in some offences under the 2015 Act. However, recent legal developments mean that lack of intent to cause distress does not automatically prevent prosecution. The facts and evidence in your case will be critical. 

Seek specialist legal advice immediately. Do not contact the complainant, do not delete digital material and do not answer police questions without your solicitor present. Early advice can significantly affect the direction of the case. 

Yes. Police routinely rely on text messages, social media communications, device downloads and cloud data in these cases. Proper legal analysis of digital evidence is often central to the defence. 

Yes. A conviction can damage your reputation, affect future employment and, in regulated professions, lead to disciplinary proceedings or loss of professional accreditation.