Criminalisation of the non-consensual sharing of intimate images

Criminalisation of the non-consensual sharing of intimate images

On 19 May 2017, the Law, Crime and Community Safety Council agreed on National statement of principles relating to the criminalisation of the non-consensual sharing of intimate images to assist the Commonwealth, states and territories to create an effective and consistent criminal framework to combat the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

The principles provide jurisdictions with guidance on victim protection, consent, harm and penalties.

Technology-facilitated abuse is of increasing community concern in Australia. The non-consensual sharing of intimate images can be used by perpetrators to harass, intimidate, blackmail, coerce and humiliate their victims.

The Australian Government is addressing this behaviour through a range of measures, including education, awareness programs, victim support and legislation. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has developed an online portal so victims can report incidents of intimate images shared online without consent; and access immediate support. The eSafety Commissioner has also established eSafetyWomen, which contains resources for women about online safety. Cybercrime can be reported by members of the public through ReportCyber.

The Australian Government is committed to working together with states and territories, as well as the Australian public, to combat this unacceptable behaviour.