Cyberflashing is indecent exposure that happens online.

It’s when a perpetrator sends an image or video of their genitals (or someone else’s genitals) to a person without their consent. Where a boy or man sends an image of a penis, you may have heard this called a ‘dick pic’.

Cyberflashing is a form of sexual violence and can have a long-lasting impact on victims.

About cyberflashing

Cyberflashing became a separate criminal offence with the introduction of the Online Safety Act 2023.

A person commits an offence of cyberflashing if they send or give a photo or video of anyone’s genitals to another person with the aim of causing them alarm, distress or humiliation, or for sexual gratification (pleasure), whether the victim was alarmed, distressed or humiliated or not.

If found guilty, a perpetrator can face a fine, being subject to the sex offenders register and/or up to two years in prison.

Where it can happen

Cyberflashing can happen in many online spaces. Perpetrators can send images or videos by email, text message or WhatsApp, over social media, on a dating app or website, or during a live video call.

They may also use an app or feature on their device such as AirDrop, Quick Share or Bluetooth to send someone – including strangers – unwanted images or videos.

Anyone can experience cyberflashing, but research suggests it happens more often to women and girls.

“While men and women see harmful content online to a roughly similar extent, women are more at risk than men of being targeted by harms including online misogyny, cyberstalking and cyberflashing.” (From a 2024 survey by The Alan Turing Institute)

A study found 76% of girls aged 12-18 had been sent nude images of boys or men without their consent. And the Brook website states 26% of men aged 18-24 have reported being cyberflashed.

Perpetrators may be someone you know, someone you’ve met online or a stranger.

Experiencing cyberflashing can be shocking. You may feel violated or unsafe, especially if it’s happened in a public space such as on public transport, at work, walking down the street, or in a lecture hall.

Knowing that a perpetrator is close enough to you in public to send you an image by Bluetooth, AirDrop, Quick Share, or an app but not knowing who they are can be frightening and can make you feel vulnerable.

You may feel many emotions, including fear, embarrassment, humiliation, sadness, anger or a sense of numbness. You may feel none of these, and that’s OK. Whatever you feel or however you react after experiencing crime or a traumatic incident is valid and OK.

Cyberflashing can have a long-lasting impact. You may experience a lack of confidence or low self-esteem, or find you make changes to your behaviour or how you use online spaces. If you need support, get in touch with us.

If you’ve been a victim of crime, you’ll need to decide whether or not to tell the police. If you’re unsure, we have more information about reporting a crime and what happens afterwards.

Remember, we can support you whether you decide to involve the police or not.

If you choose to report cyberflashing to the police, you should be listened to and respected.

You can report in several ways:

Many people find it helpful to talk to someone after experiencing crime. Whether you’ve reported the crime or not, you can talk to us in confidence.

We offer free, confidential advice and support. Our services are delivered independently of the police: you don’t have to report to the police to receive our support.

We can help you by:

  • informing you of your rights and entitlements under the Victims’ Code
  • listening to how the crime has affected you with respect and without judgement
  • giving you information and advice about your personal safety
  • helping you explore coping strategies and ways to manage your wellbeing
  • connecting you with other agencies and services that can also offer help
  • supporting you if you decide to report the crime, and if the case goes to court.

Find out more about how we can support victim-survivors of sexual violence.

When you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask if you’d like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact us directly – you don’t need to talk to the police to get our help.

You can get in touch by:

You can also create a free account on My Support Space, our online resource with interactive guides to help you manage the impact crime has had on you, including a guide on indecent exposure and cyberflashing.

If English is not your first language and you’d like support, call our Supportline and let us know which language you speak. We’ll call you back with an interpreter as soon as possible. We also welcome calls via Relay UK and SignLive (BSL).

Family members and friends affected by crime can also contact us for support and information. If you’re a child or young person under 18 and are looking for support, visit our children and young people website for information.

Further support and information: