cyber-flashing

Did you know... If someone sends you a photo of genitals without your permission it is a criminal offence?

Known as cyber-flashing, they might do it to cause you distress or to embarrass you. It could also be for their own sexual pleasure without caring about how it makes you feel.

It doesn't matter if the photo shows a person's real genitals, or if the photo has been computer generated to look like someone's genitals.

Cyber-flashing can happen to anyone. It is never your fault and you are not to blame. It happens both online and offline.

Here are some examples:

• a picture or video sent over a social media site or a dating app

• a picture or video sent through Bluetooth that allows someone to send files to you close by

• a picture or video placed somewhere for you to see it, such as on your desk or on someone's phone on public transport

If someone deliberately exposes their genitals in person to frighten or upset you, this is known as indecent exposure. This is also a serious offence and you should report this to us.

If you are a victim of cyber-flashing you might feel anxiety, fear and feelings of distrust and violation. Or you might not feel alarmed or distressed at all. There's no right or wrong way to feel, and we understand that. There is help and support available to you however you feel.

We always take cyber-flashing seriously and understand it takes courage to talk to us.

People who cyber-flash can go on to commit more serious offences. Your report could stop this from happening.

How to report

Call 101

Report online via our website

Always call 999 if you are in immediate danger