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Is it still sexual assault if I was told by an adult to send nude photos of myself, even if it was only over text?
Answer by Dr. Laura
PhD Mental Health Nurse & Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your question. Yes, what you experienced is a form of sexual exploitation and abuse, and in many jurisdictions, it's classified as a crime. When an adult solicits nude images from someone, they are engaging in sexually abusive behavior that violates boundaries and consent. The fact that this occurred through text messages doesn't diminish the seriousness of what happened. This behavior is a serious violation of trust and boundaries, and it is illegal in many places.
What you're describing specifically falls under the category of sexual exploitation, which includes coercing or manipulating someone into producing sexual content. When an adult engages in this kind of communication, they are misusing their position of power and maturity to manipulate or pressure someone who may not fully understand the implications. Adults have a responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries, and requesting nude photos violates those boundaries and constitutes predatory behavior.
Many survivors of this type of exploitation experience similar feelings to those who have experienced in-person sexual assault, including feelings of violation, shame, confusion, guilt, fear, or self-blame. These reactions are normal responses to an abnormal situation. It's important to understand that you are not at fault for what happened. The responsibility lies entirely with the adult who chose to engage in inappropriate behavior. Regardless of how you responded at the time, you have the right to feel safe and respected, and no one should ever pressure or coerce you into sharing images or information that make you uncomfortable.
If you're struggling with this experience, connecting with a trained counselor or advocate who specializes in sexual violence can be helpful. Consider reaching out to someone you trust—a family member, teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult. Sharing what happened can provide you with support and guidance. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offer confidential support services and a 24/7 chatline.
Healing looks different for everyone, and there's no timeline for processing these experiences. Remember, you're not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Your well-being is important. Thank you for trusting us
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Grounding activity
Find a comfortable place to sit. Gently close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths - in through your nose (count to 3), out through your mouth (count of 3). Now open your eyes and look around you. Name the following out loud:
5 – things you can see (you can look within the room and out of the window)
4 – things you can feel (what is in front of you that you can touch?)
3 – things you can hear
2 – things you can smell
1 – thing you like about yourself.
Take a deep breath to end.
From where you are sitting, look around for things that have a texture or are nice or interesting to look at.
Hold an object in your hand and bring your full focus to it. Look at where shadows fall on parts of it or maybe where there are shapes that form within the object. Feel how heavy or light it is in your hand and what the surface texture feels like under your fingers (This can also be done with a pet if you have one).
Take a deep breath to end.
Ask yourself the following questions and answer them out loud:
1. Where am I?
2. What day of the week is today?
3. What is today’s date?
4. What is the current month?
5. What is the current year?
6. How old am I?
7. What season is it?
Take a deep breath to end.
Put your right hand palm down on your left shoulder. Put your left hand palm down on your right shoulder. Choose a sentence that will strengthen you. For example: “I am powerful.” Say the sentence out loud first and pat your right hand on your left shoulder, then your left hand on your right shoulder.
Alternate the patting. Do ten pats altogether, five on each side, each time repeating your sentences aloud.
Take a deep breath to end.
Cross your arms in front of you and draw them towards your chest. With your right hand, hold your left upper arm. With your left hand, hold your right upper arm. Squeeze gently, and pull your arms inwards. Hold the squeeze for a little while, finding the right amount of squeeze for you in this moment. Hold the tension and release. Then squeeze for a little while again and release. Stay like that for a moment.
Take a deep breath to end.