Digital first aid refers to the coordinated set of immediate steps a person should take after discovering their intimate images online, much like a medical first aid response. The first 24 hours are critical for three parallel reasons: emotional support resources should be accessed immediately; evidence must be preserved before platforms delete content or perpetrators clear their tracks.

Key facts about this term

  1. Reach out to one trusted person or support resource immediately Contact CCRI (1-844-878-2274), RAINN (1-800-656-4673), or a trusted friend. Isolation is harmful, support is the first priority.
  2. Do not contact or confront the perpetrator Contact can prompt escalation or damage future legal proceedings.
  3. Run ScanErase immediately Biometric scan and evidence preservation happen simultaneously, this is your digital first aid.

Frequently asked questions

What should I absolutely NOT do in the first 24 hours?

Do not contact the perpetrator. Do not delete any evidence. Do not pay any extortion demand. Do not post about the situation publicly.

Is it okay to tell just one person about the situation?

Telling a trusted person for support is important for mental health. Be selective, choose someone you trust completely, as confidentiality matters during this period.

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