Not Yours to Distribute! Intimate Images and Consent

This Virtual Forum was held on February 8 and 9, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm Eastern Time (ET).

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click here for forum program

With the rise of sexting and further means of sharing intimate images through technology, there have been growing concerns about how to address the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Sharing intimate images can be a form of healthy sexual expression, however, the distribution of such images without consent causes harm with social, emotional, and economic impacts on survivors. Non-consensual distribution of intimate images can be used to coercively control and exert power over a person, such as an intimate partner.  

This Learning Network Virtual Forum explores non-consensual distribution of intimate images of adults in the Canadian context. An intersectional and sex-positive lens will be used to explore its forms and how it impacts different communities. Barriers to support seeking and trauma-informed responses to support survivors will be discussed.  

This Forum is particularly relevant to gender-based violence and allied service providers, as well as human rights advocacy groups (e.g. rape crisis centers, shelters, victim services, community-based groups).  

Forum recordings will be emailed to those registered.

Learning Objectives

By participating in this Forum, participants will be better able to:  

  • Describe non-consensual distribution of intimate images including its various forms and impacts on survivors, as well as harmful myths surrounding it 
  • Understand experiences of non-consensual distribution of intimate images as they occur in diverse communities and intimate relationships  
  • Support survivors’ efforts in seeking justice, services, and healing   
  • Challenge harmful actions through technology and promote healthy behaviour using a sex-positive and intersectional lens  
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