Jess Davies was just 19 years old when, while searching her name on Google, she was faced with an experience that would deeply shock her. On an online platform, she came across an abusive post where her image had been used inappropriately, without her consent.
Specifically, someone had shared a video of her masturbating to her own photos. For the British model and presenter, this was her first encounter with such a form of digital exploitation.
Although she had previously experienced the theft and unauthorized publication of her photos, this situation was different and much more emotionally difficult. Jess describes the feeling as “helplessness” and “shame,” as she experienced a mix of conflicting emotions that left her confused. According to her, such experiences deeply affect her self-esteem and the way she sees herself.
View this post on Instagram
In an interview with the BBC , she said her initial desire was to simply remove the material from the internet. “I was wondering: who saw it? Where else was it shared? But you know you have no control,” she said. In her case, the post was on a platform where she had no way to report it.
It was this sense of lack of control that prompted Jess to take action. She decided to turn her experience into a cause, campaigning for the introduction of this type of abuse in England and Wales. Her aim was clear: to protect other women and send a strong message that these actions are not acceptable and should not be normalised as “something that happens online”.
Her efforts are starting to pay off. Recently, Charlotte Owen introduced a legal amendment aimed at punishing content created with artificial intelligence that is used in this form of abuse. This moment marks an important step towards protecting victims in the digital age.
What should you do if you face such a situation?
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is important to know that you are not alone and it is not your fault. The first step is to save evidence (screenshots, links), as they may be needed. Then, try to report the content to the platform where it was published or through organizations that deal with online safety.
It is also very important to seek support, whether from friends, family, or mental health professionals. These experiences can be deeply emotional and should not be faced alone. In some cases, legal action may be necessary, especially if the person responsible is identified.
Above all, don't let a situation like this define how you see yourself. Your worth is not determined by the actions of others, but by how you choose to react and protect yourself.
