Sharing intimate photos without consent illegal, Edmonton campaign warns

Edmonton police are helping to launch a campaign targeting the sharing of intimate photos without consent.

"We are aware that intimate photos are being distributed without consent," Staff Sgt. Shawna Grimes said in a news release Wednesday.

"We're also aware that these types of crimes are under-reported, perhaps because of fear and embarrassment."

Stephanie Olsen, public educator with the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, called the issue enormous, with devastating impact on youth who experience this type of bullying.

"We have heard of many youth who have had to switch schools, switch towns and we have all heard those tragic cases where a young person takes their life because of an issue like this."

It's hoped the campaign can alleviate the fear and embarrassment that victims may feel by placing the onus and responsibility on the person passing on a photo without consent.

"An effective response to sexual violence never focuses on the victim," Olsen said. "We have to put the accountability where it belongs — on the person who crossed someone's boundaries."

The campaign is aiming its message at teens and young adults, urging them to delete any image they might receive without with subject's consent.

Police are teaming up with sexual assault centres, bars, and the Canadian Red Cross to get the message out.

Campaign posters will be posted in Edmonton transit stations, restaurants and bars and schools.

The anti-cyber bullying law passed earlier this year makes it illegal for anyone to share intimate photos of a person without their consent.