PEI RCMP warn of sharing intimate images without consent

January 18, 2023
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

News release

PEI RCMP warn of sharing intimate images without consent.

PEI RCMP receive complaints each year from individuals who report that intimate images of them are being shared without their consent. These images can be shared consensually in a relationship but when that relationship breaks down those images may go on to get shared without consent. Sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal code offence that carries a maximum sentence of a five-year prison term.

Some of the most vulnerable victims in these cases are young people. Today is a good day to talk with your kids about internet safety. The PEI RCMP offer the following safety tips for families to help protect children:

Be open about online behaviour

  • Place computers in busy family areas, work with your child to ensure that they behave safety online from a young age and teach your child to treat life online as they would their regular life.

Monitor your children's online activities regularly

  • Search your child's name using popular search engines, blogs and social network platforms to see what comes up on their public record

Be aware of mobile applications

  • Some social media applications are not suitable for all children. Many applications have age limits in order to download. It's important to keep this in mind.

For more information visit the RCMP website for Internet Safety Tips for Parents.

Tips for children

Think before you share

  • It is difficult to remove information once it's shared. Even though a smartphone app may advertise what you send will disappear in a few seconds, content can still be screen captured to make it last forever.

Be socially responsible

  • Speak up and do the right thing. If you see something you don't agree with, like cyberbullying, harassment or threats, tell a trusted adult for advice or help.

If you have disclosed an intimate image, nude photo or video and it was shared without your consent, know that it is not your fault

  • Please tell a trusted adult who can help you
  • Please contact your local police agency. We will investigate without judgement

Do not send money online

  • Do not send money to anyone online, and especially anyone you do not know. Please contact your local police agency and we will help you – without judgement

Protect your privacy online

  • Only accept friend requests from people you know, only share images that you would be okay sharing with your parents and never send an intimate photo or video if asked.

For more information visit the BC RCMP website for Internet Safety Tips for Teens.

If you have been a victim or suspect someone may be trying to extort you, contact your local police.

For more useful links and tips, please visit:

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Contact information

Cst. Gavin Moore
Media Relations Officer
RCMP PEI
Ph: 902-218-2863

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