Legal assistance

If someone has shared or is threatening to share an intimate image of you, there may be laws to protect you.

The laws related to image-based abuse are complex and are different in each state or territory. If you want to know more about your legal options, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice.

A lawyer or legal service can help by discussing your case and the legislation that applies in your state or territory, including how to apply for a protection order if needed. Your lawyer can also speak to the police with you.

Your lawyer can help you decide whether you should ask the police to consider pressing criminal charges under Australian federal law or state laws.

They can also advise you on any non-criminal legal options that may be available to you.

The law relating to image-based abuse (also known as ‘revenge porn’) is always evolving and changing. The legal options open to you will depend upon many factors, such as the nature of the abuse, the precise circumstances in which it occurred, your age, the evidence that can be collected, and the laws in your state or territory.

There can be time limits for taking legal action, so it’s best to get advice about your legal options as soon as you can.

The information provided here combines practical advice and an Australia-wide overview of laws relevant to image-based abuse. It could be used as a guide when seeking professional legal advice.