Belgian Men Share Nude Photos of Partners on 20+ Platforms

Overview: A Disturbing Digital Abuse Epidemic

An investigation by Belgian public broadcaster VRT has uncovered that men in Belgium are sharing nude photos of their wives and girlfriends on at least 20 online platforms, often without the women's knowledge or consent. The images are posted on social media groups, dedicated websites, and Telegram chats with thousands of members, described as 'unaware' content — meaning the victims did not know they were being photographed.

The non-consensual intimate image abuse trend echoes similar scandals in Italy and other countries, highlighting a global crisis of digital privacy violations. In Belgium, the phenomenon appears widespread, with researchers calling it 'just the tip of the iceberg.'

How the Platforms Operate

According to the VRT investigation, the platforms range from mainstream social media like Facebook to encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and standalone websites. Men share photos taken secretly while partners are showering, changing clothes, or sleeping. The images are often accompanied by sexist comments using derogatory terms like 'slut' and 'whore.'

Some groups maintain scoring systems tracking how many photos a member has shared. Others issue 'official certificates' to men who prove the woman in the photos is their partner. In some cases, full names and home addresses are posted, encouraging other men to 'come and watch' the victim.

Victim Testimonies: Betrayal and Trauma

One victim, identified only as 'Valerie,' told the VRT: 'I never noticed he was making such images, because he was the person I trusted the most.' She discovered her husband had shared intimate photos online, including close-ups and full-body images. Police later found 1,200 secretly taken nude images on his computer. She filed a complaint four years ago but is still waiting for a trial while her images continue circulating online.

Another woman recounted how her husband shared her name and workplace with online groups so men could 'come and see her.' The betrayal is compounded by the difficulty of removing images from the internet once posted.

Legal Framework and Enforcement Challenges

In Belgium, sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offense. However, few complaints lead to convictions. Experts say authorities lack the knowledge and resources to handle cases swiftly. The VRT reports that victims often feel they are not taken seriously by police and the justice system.

The EU directive on combating violence against women, adopted in May 2024, explicitly includes non-consensual sharing of intimate images as a form of violence. The Digital Services Act (DSA) also requires platforms to address gender-based violence as a systemic risk. Yet enforcement remains inconsistent across member states.

Global Context: A Widespread Problem

The Belgian investigation was prompted by similar reports from Italy. In 2025, a Facebook group called 'Mia Moglie' (My Wife) with 32,000 members was shut down after men shared intimate photos of their partners without consent. Italian authorities received around 2,800 complaints. Meta removed the group citing its adult sexual exploitation policy. Italy has had strict revenge porn laws since 2019, with penalties of one to six years in prison and fines up to €15,000.

In the UK, police recorded at least 28,201 reports of disclosing private sexual images without consent between April 2015 and December 2021. A 2025 parliamentary report called for stronger legal protections and better support for victims.

The global fight against image-based abuse is gaining momentum, but activists warn that groups simply move to other platforms when shut down. Telegram, with its encrypted channels, has become a haven for such activity.

Impact on Victims and Society

The psychological impact on victims is severe. Many report feelings of shame, anxiety, and betrayal. The knowledge that intimate images are permanently online and could resurface at any time creates lasting trauma. The VRT investigation quotes experts who describe the phenomenon as a form of digital gender-based violence that reinforces misogyny and control.

Advocacy groups are calling for better platform moderation, faster law enforcement response, and comprehensive sex education to address the root causes. Some suggest that tech companies should use AI to detect non-consensual intimate images proactively.

FAQ

What is non-consensual intimate image sharing?

It is the distribution of private sexual images or videos without the consent of the person depicted. This includes photos taken secretly or shared without permission, often called 'revenge porn' or image-based abuse.

Is it illegal in Belgium?

Yes. Sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offense in Belgium. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and many cases do not lead to prosecution.

How can victims get help?

Victims can report to local police, contact organizations like the Belgian Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, or seek support from helplines such as 1712 (Flanders) or 0800/30 030 (Wallonia). Online platforms also have reporting tools for non-consensual images.

What are platforms doing to stop this?

Meta (Facebook) has policies against adult sexual exploitation and uses AI to detect non-consensual images. Telegram relies on user reports. The EU's Digital Services Act requires large platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including gender-based violence.

How common is this problem?

Very common and growing. The VRT found at least 20 platforms and 32 Belgian accounts sharing such images. In Italy, a single Facebook group had 32,000 members. Experts believe the actual numbers are much higher.

Sources

VRT NWS: Mannen delen stiekem naaktfoto's van partner
NOS: Op zeker 20 online platforms delen Belgische mannen naaktfoto's van hun vrouw
The Brussels Times: Photos of Belgian women shared by their boyfriends and husbands
Global Standard News: Italian Facebook group shut down
EU Directive 2024: Non-consensual intimate image abuse in Europe