Law360 Canada (September 2, 2026, 2:54 PM EDT) -- Yukon residents say victims who had intimate images that were shared illegally face barriers in accessing justice due to the expense of legal services, a lack of privacy and a rigid reporting system.

Late last month, the government of Yukon released its Non-Consensual Disclosure of Intimate Images: What We Heard report — a 14-page summary of feedback from residents on their “knowledge and experience” related to these types of “sexualized cyber crimes,” states a news release.  

Yukon residents are aware that sharing intimate images of someone without their permission is illegal, but they say more education is needed about “cyber victimization” — particularly for young people.

A total of 232 responded to the online survey, which ran for three months during the summer of 2025.

Of those who responded, 43 per cent reported having experienced “some form of unwanted sexualized communication” — including “the sharing of their intimate images without their permission.” Of those who reported experiencing this, half said the incidents occurred within the last five years.

The most comment method of non-consensual “content” disclosure occurred through text messages or instant messaging. Around 37 per cent reported some other method of disclosure, such as social media or a website.

The report notes Canada’s Criminal Code was changed in 2015 to make it illegal to knowingly publish or distribute an intimate image of someone if they did not give consent. As well, many jurisdictions have developed civil legislation that allow victims to sue perpetrators.

A good portion of the report centred on barriers victims face in accessing justice.

“A common view shared by survey takers was that a person whose intimate image has been shared without consent is a victim of wrongdoing and should have clear, expedient and effective access to justice and social support,” it states.

Some felt victims may have trouble finding “supportive legal assistance.” 

“The financial cost of legal representation was identified as a major barrier for many people, especially for youth and vulnerable individuals,” states the report. “Some responses suggested that legal processes are confusing and place too much burden on the individual, and that simplifying these processes may encourage some victims to engage with the justice system.”

Some also said additional “reporting options” are needed.

“Additional legal tools may improve access to justice for populations that may not wish to interact directly with law enforcement,” states the report.

Victims may also experience roadblocks in cases where alcohol and intoxication are involved,” respondents said.  

“Some participants also felt that criminal investigations may not be adequately responsive in cases where consent is provided while one or both parties are intoxicated, or that there is a greater likelihood that intoxication may hurt the credibility of the victim if they try to report an incident.”

Privacy protection was a “recurring theme” in many of the responses — often cited as “an essential component of any service that provides victim assistance, including legal services…”

“The majority of survey participants acknowledged the impact that [the non-consensual disclosure of intimate images] can have on a person’s self-esteem and wellbeing,” states the report. “Any possibility of the disclosure being uncovered by family members, co-workers, friends, or community harms a victim’s sense of autonomy or control over the situation. Individual comments often stated that victims would rather do nothing than risk bringing any further attention to the disclosure.”

In that vein, the report touched on a concern involving confidentiality for underage victims.

Respondents generally felt that young people will not come forward and use services if they think their parents will be informed about an incident.

“Some survey participants felt that more consensus and clarity is needed around reporting requirements and parental notification to ensure that the needs of youth victims are met, and that their wishes are respected. A few stakeholder comments noted that procedures may be dependant on internal policies, but these do not always exist or are not consistently applied.”

According to the news release, the report will assist Yukon’s Justice Department in developing legislation “to provide better tools for victims,” including the speedy issuing of court orders to remove illegal content and “mechanisms” allowing victims to pursue damages through civil litigation.  

“This is a sensitive and personal topic and there are many complex reasons why people might not report when they have been victimized,” said Minister of Justice Laura Lang in a statement. “The public response and thoughtful comments will help us protect others and ensure that those who prey on people in this way are held accountable.”

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