Government of Yukon

08/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2026 14:35

Engagement results show need for increased legal options for victims of sexualized cyber crimes

The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report summarizing feedback from Yukoners on their knowledge and experience related to nonconsensual disclosure of intimate images.

A total of 232 people responded to the online survey that ran from June 1 to August 28, 2025. An additional 10 written submissions were received.

Key findings show that:

  • Yukoners are aware that the sharing of intimate images of someone without their consent is a criminal offence - 43 per cent of survey respondents reported experiencing some form of unwanted sexualized communication;
  • individuals recognize the detrimental psychological impacts of image-based harm;
  • more education and awareness are needed about cyber victimization, especially for young people;
  • people's privacy must be respected and protected; and
  • improved supports would benefit youth who are harmed by online sexualized misconduct.

The engagement findings highlighted the need for a clear and discreet pathway to legal, social and emotional services and supports for victims when their intimate images are shared without their consent.

The results will help the Department of Justice develop legislation to provide better tools for victims of the non-consensual disclosure of intimate images. This may include allowing court orders to be rapidly issued to online platforms to remove content and mechanisms for individuals to seek damages through civil litigation.

This is a sensitive and personal topic and there are many complex reasons why people might not report when they have been victimized. The public response and thoughtful comments will help us protect others and ensure that those who prey on people in this way are held accountable. Yukoners deserve our diligence in making safety improvements that protect all people.

Minister of Justice Laura Lang

Quick facts

  • In March 2015, the non-consensual distribution of intimate images was added to the Criminal Code of Canada under section 162.1(1).

  • The Criminal Code defines intimate images as a visual recording of a person made by any means, including a photograph, film or video recording.

  • A person convicted of a Criminal Code of Canada section 162.1(1) offence may face fines or up to five years' imprisonment.

  • Yukon crime statistics for 2023 indicate that reports of non-consensual disclosure of intimate images have grown since 2015. Between 2022 and 2023, reported incidents increased by 15 per cent in Canada.

  • Forty-three per cent of survey respondents reported experiencing some form of unwanted sexualized communication, including the sharing of intimate images online without having given permission.

  • Improving public and community safety is a key mandate commitment for the government, and the government is committed to introducing territorial legislation to address this issue.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]

Zara Soukoroff
Communications, Justice
867-471-0563
[email protected]

News release #:
26-253
Government of Yukon published this content on August 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 27, 2026 at 20:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]