You might think that it is not up to you to do something and that the person’s friends will step in but when we do nothing; we are saying that it is ok for that person to be humiliated and embarrassed by having their photo(s) shared publicly.
The quicker that a photo or video can be reported, the less chance there is of them spreading more widely.
This can be done directly to the platform (e.g Facebook, Snapchat, Youtube etc) or through Netsafe (or both).
Even if you don’t like the person very much or think they made a mistake, don’t jump on the bandwagon to make them feel even worse. That’s just mean.
Their reputation will have already taken a dent and they do not need you to join in.
Put yourself in their shoes and challenge other people who are ‘slut shaming’ or gossiping.
It can be difficult to figure out what to do yourself and talking it through with someone can help you decide what to do next.
It can be helpful to share what is happening with someone else so you can talk it through. You can get a different perspective, advice or work out what the best steps are together.
You will know who you feel most comfortable reaching out to.
This could be:
They could then support you to get in touch with more support if you need it.
It can sometimes be really tempting to share the photo with your friends or in a group chat.
Doing this, even within a closed group could make it spread even more (you do not control the actions of your friends) and could even put you at risk of having a complaint made against you for sharing a nude image without permission.
Netsafe are an experienced, non-profit organisation with a helpline set up to help people with online safety and online issues.
They have an experienced team that can speak to you about the options available (even if it is not about you personally)
In New Zealand, if someone has shared nude photos or intimate images of you (or someone else) without permission, there are a number of laws they might be breaking.
This is ‘image based abuse’ and is a form of sexual harassment.
Images taken without Permission
Under the Crimes Act, there are criminal remedies (or possible solutions) when someone has or shares nudes or intimate images that have been taken WITHOUT someone’s permission.
Examples of this could be photos or video taken with a hidden camera or up someone’s skirt/dress.
Criminal Remedies
Criminal remedies could include a fine of up to $50,000 (for an individual) or up to two years in jail.
There are also criminal OR civil remedies under theThe Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) if someone posts nudes or intimate images WITHOUT someone’s permission.
The criminal remedies do not apply to children (aged 0-13), but can be applied to young people aged 14-16 (within the youth justice system) and individuals aged 17+ (who are treated as adults within the formal criminal justice system).
Civil Remedies
Netsafe can support you with some civil remedies including working with both parties to reach a resolution, working with online content hosts (like Social Media platforms) but they cannot punish anyone or force them to do something.
Civil remedies could also involve a court order where a person can be forced to remove or delete content, give an apology or the identity of someone who posted anonymously revealed.
Images ORIGINALLY taken with permission but then shared
The Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) has remedies if photos or intimate images that were originally taken with someone’s permission are then shared (without permission).
Examples of this could be photos taken by a partner for private use that are then shared in a group or uploaded to a public site after you have broken up.
There are criminal and civil remedies.
Criminal Remedies
Criminal remedies could include a fine of up to $50,000 (for an individual) or up to two years in jail.
The criminal remedies do not apply to children (aged 0-13), but can be applied to young people aged 14-16 (within the youth justice system) and individuals aged 17+ (who are treated as adults within the formal criminal justice system).
Civil Remedies
Netsafe can support you with some civil remedies including working with both parties to reach a resolution, working with online content hosts (like Social Media platforms) but they cannot punish anyone or force them to do something.
Civil remedies could also involve a court order to remove or delete content, get an apology or have the identity of someone who posted anonymously revealed.
What other laws that might apply
Other laws that could apply are:
For more DETAILED information about the laws above and your rights related to Nude Images, check out the Sticks ‘n Stones Website.
Netsafe is an organisation that can provide information and support as well as free and confidential advice if someone has shared your nudes online.
They can:
You can make a report through their website https://www.netsafe.org.nz/report/ or you can free phone them seven days a week on 0508 NETSAFE. They’re open between 8am and 8pm on weekdays, and between 9am and 5pm on weekends and public holidays.
You can make the report yourself, or someone can do it on your behalf.
When you phone them, they will ask you questions so they can understand what’s going on- like how long it has been happening, who is involved and any other information to help them to evaluate your report.If you have evidence like screenshots or links to content and messages, it’s helpful to be able to send these through.
When you make a report online, you will be asked to select from a range of multi choice questions to give information about the situation and the support you (or the person you are making the report for) is receiving, give your contact information and also a ‘short summary’ of what happened.
You will also be asked how concerned you are for your safety.
Whether you make your report by phone or using the online form, you will be given a report number that will create a ‘thread’ of emails to keep all of the communication together.If you make your report online, you will then receive an email confirming your report has been received and that one of the team will be in touch once they have evaluated it using the contact details you gave in the form.
For more detailed information about Netsafe, check out their website www.netsafe.org.nz or our breakdown on the Sticks ‘n Stones website
Nikita talks about chatting to someone over Snapchat and starting to really like him and then what happened when she said no to his request for nudes.
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Anna talks about being contacted by a stranger on Snapchat and being offered money to send him nudes.
Kelly talks about getting a ‘dick pic’ randomly, what she did about it and how it made her feel.
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