Unlawful Surveillance and Image-Based Abuse
Unlawful surveillance and image based abuse offences often involve concerns about recording, distributing or possessing images or footage without consent. Many people seek clarity about what conduct is prohibited, how digital evidence is assessed and what issues may arise when the material involves personal or private circumstances.
This page outlines the general matters that may be relevant and explains how Law Tram provides a secure and obligation-free way to connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can discuss your situation confidentially.
Charged with unlawful surveillance or sharing intimate images?
Unlawful surveillance and image-based abuse are criminal offences in all Australian states and territories. You can be charged for recording, sharing or threatening to share intimate or private images without consent, as well as for using surveillance devices without authorisation.
These charges often arise from personal relationships, breakups, online activity or the use of hidden cameras, tracking devices or covert recordings. Even if you never distributed the material, the act of capturing or storing it may still be illegal.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who understand the sensitivity of these matters and can help you deal with police, respond to allegations and protect your rights.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with surveillance and image-based abuse matters, including:
- Charges for recording someone without their knowledge
- Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent
- Revenge porn or image-based abuse charges
- Installation or use of hidden cameras or GPS trackers
- Surveillance device offences under state and Commonwealth law
- Responding to technology-facilitated abuse complaints
- Representing you in court or negotiating diversion outcomes
- Advising on restraining orders, reporting obligations or bail conditions
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers who understand surveillance and image based abuse laws
- Confidential platform to outline your situation
- Guidance on what information or digital records may be relevant
- No obligation to engage any lawyer you speak with
- Lawyers help you understand the legal considerations involved
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Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Criminal charges can carry serious penalties and strict time limits. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible, especially before speaking to police or attending court.
Law Tram does not provide emergency legal support or crisis response services and does not assist in finding legal representation for minors.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in unlawful surveillance and image based abuse matters. Whether your situation involves concerns about recordings, digital communication, sharing of images or uncertainty about how consent is interpreted, our platform helps you access tailored legal guidance before you decide how to proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Image-based abuse refers to sharing, threatening to share or taking intimate images or videos of someone without their consent.
Yes. Possessing or recording private material without consent can still be a criminal offence, depending on the circumstances.
Even if someone sends you an image, sharing or storing it without consent may still be illegal. Context matters and legal advice is essential.
Yes. Using surveillance devices to record people in private without their knowledge is illegal unless authorised by law.
It depends on the severity, prior record and intent. A lawyer may be able to seek a non-conviction outcome or diversion, especially for first-time offenders.
Screenshots, device logs, message histories, social media data and any police documents can help a lawyer outline the general issues that may arise.
Yes. A lawyer can outline the general principles used to assess whether the recording or sharing of images occurred with or without valid consent.
Yes. A lawyer can explain general pathways for requesting removal, reporting content and addressing digital harm linked to the material.