Revenge Porn & Blackmail: What to Do if Someone Threatens to Expose You
Content Warning: This article discusses image-based abuse, revenge porn, and online blackmail. It contains sensitive material that may be distressing to some readers. This is an educational and harm-prevention resource written for adults seeking guidance on digital safety, privacy protection, and legal rights in Australia.
If you are in immediate danger or need support, contact Police or emergency services.
If blackmail, revenge porn, or threats of exposure are being used against you, you are not helpless. This guide will walk you through the steps to protect yourself, understand your rights under Australian law, and reclaim your power.
Step 1: Don't React Emotionally
Try to to stay calm, take some time to respond rather than react. You'll be able to make better decisions and you're not giving them what they want - an emotional response.
What Not to Do:
Don’t plead, beg, or apologise — it gives them control.
Don’t pay them — payment rarely stops blackmail and often escalates it.
Don’t try to reason with them — this isn’t about logic; it’s about power.
What to Do Instead:
Document everything. Take screenshots of messages, usernames, threats, and timestamps.
Cut off direct contact as soon as you can.
Mute instead of block fake accounts — it lets you gather evidence quietly.
Report abusive accounts to the platform immediately. Multiple reports can trigger faster removals.
Step 2: Know Your Legal Rights - Australia’s Laws on Image-Based Abuse
In Australia, revenge porn and image-based abuse are criminal offences. Even threatening to share intimate images without consent is illegal — including AI-generated fakes.
Penalties: up to six years’ imprisonment and substantial fines.
Where to Report It:
eSafety Commissioner - the fastest way to get content removed and report threats.
Report to Police via ReportCyber - a national reporting scheme involving state and federal police, as well as government agencies. You can also report to local police directly, but they may not be equipped to manage cybercrimes.
Local Police – you can also report directly, but they may refer you to cybercrime units.
The platform where they are threatening you. Most social media and online platforms have policies against revenge porn and abusive comments or messages.
Step 3: Take Back Control
Lock down what they can access.
Practical Actions:
Review privacy settings and make older posts private.
Separate personal and professional accounts.
Disable messaging from strangers where possible.
Google yourself and remove easily found personal details.
Step 4: If It Gets Leaked, What Now?
Worst-case scenario - it happens. They follow through on the threat. But, you are still have some control.
Immediate Actions:
Report the content everywhere it appears. Platforms usually act quickly to remove non-consensual content.
File takedown requests (DMCA or through eSafety.gov.au).
If a website refuses to take it down, file a copyright infringement claim - you own your photos.
Longer-Term Recovery:
Own your story. If you speak publicly, frame it as a privacy violation, not a scandal.
Seek legal advice. Consider your civil options if harm occurred.
Rebuild safely. Prepare backup accounts if you’re a creator.
Protect future work. Use hidden watermarks or secure storage.
Separate your shame from their behaviour. This was their crime, not your fault.
Step 5: Get Support
You don’t have to handle it alone.
Resources (Australia):
eSafety Women – digital safety guides and reporting tools.
1800RESPECT – 24/7 counselling for people impacted by abuse or image-based harm.
ReachOut – mental health support and forums.
WESNET – technology safety for women experiencing violence.
💬 Let’s Talk About It
Have you or someone you know faced online threats or exposure?
What helped you reclaim your power? Share your experience - your story could help someone else feel less alone.
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