Enhancing support for victims of non-consensual disclosure of intimate images

The Government of Yukon wants to address the issue of the non-consensual disclosure of intimate images and learn about other forms of unwelcome sexualized online behaviour to improve victim assistance and access to justice.

While current information on cybervictimization suggests that youth are overwhelmingly vulnerable to harmful online behaviour, adults can also be victimized.

A recent Stats Canada survey of adults aged 18 to 54 found that one in 10 ex-partners threatened to expose intimate photos of their ex online. Those threats were carried out in 60 per cent of these cases. This includes:

• extortion using private or artificially generated images and videos;
• sharing of intimate images without consent; and
• exposure to unwelcome sexualized communications or harassment.

In March 2015, non-consensual distribution of intimate images was added to the Criminal Code of Canada under section 162.1(1). This makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly publish, distribute, sell, make available or advertise an intimate image of another person without their consent. Most jurisdictions in Canada have also passed civil legislation on the non-consensual disclosure of intimate images. This type of legislation does not currently exist in the Yukon.

By taking 10 to 15 minutes to fill out an anonymous survey, Yukoners can help provide a better understanding of the impact of this issue and identify how the Government of Yukon can improve access to justice and victim assistance programs.

The survey is available on engageyukon.ca and will be available until August 28.

Understanding that providing information on this issue may be traumatic, particularly for individuals who have had intimate images shared online without their consent, questions in the survey can be skipped and participants can decide to stop at any moment. A list of online and in-person supports for anyone affected by sharing their experiences is provided in the survey and at Yukon.ca.

Additionally, anyone who has had their intimate images shared without their permission may choose to report it to the RCMP. Youth victims can access an online reporting tool through needhelpnow.ca and receive technical support with content takedown.