Revenge Porn Case Highlights Legal Gaps in Switzerland
A case in Zurich has brought to light the challenges victims face when seeking justice against perpetrators of “revenge porn,” even after the introduction of specific legislation aimed at combating the practice. Ornela K., a 26-year-old Zurich resident, discovered in late November 2025 that her ex-boyfriend had shared intimate photos and videos of her with others online after their breakup.
The Case of Ornela K.
Ornela K. Shared intimate photos and videos with her boyfriend during their relationship, which lasted from August 2020 to November 2022. These included pictures in lingerie and videos of her dancing. After the breakup, her ex-boyfriend allegedly sent these recordings to up to 15 women online, along with offers of money to blackmail him with the images. He initially sent nude pictures of himself to these women, requesting they blackmail him before sending Ornela K.’s photos.
The incident came to light when Ornela K. Discovered messages in her Instagram spam folder in November 2025 from women who had received the intimate content. One woman contacted her to inform her of the situation, explaining that her ex-boyfriend had offered her money to publish the images and videos on Instagram.
Legal Challenges and a Non-Acceptance Order
Ornela K. Immediately reported the incident to the authorities. However, in January 2026, the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a non-acceptance order. The reason? The images were initially sent in May 2024, before the law against the unauthorized forwarding of non-public sexual content came into effect on July 1, 2024.
“I no longer understood the world. I felt powerless, defenseless – and betrayed by the system,” Ornela K. Stated, deciding not to appeal the decision due to the low chances of success.
Limited Investigation and Proportionality Concerns
Ornela K. Questioned why authorities did not seize her ex-boyfriend’s phone to determine if he had sent images after the law came into effect. Erich Wenzinger, a spokesperson for the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office, explained that there was “no sufficient suspicion of further sending of images after July 1, 2024.” He also noted that searching a cell phone requires significant effort and that proportionality must be considered.
Emotional Impact and the Need for Awareness
The experience has had a significant emotional impact on Ornela K., who now lives in fear of encountering her ex-boyfriend and suffers from anxiety and sleep disturbances. She is currently undergoing therapy.
Ornela K. Hopes her story will raise awareness about the devastating effects of revenge porn and prevent others from becoming victims. “I wish more people understood what revenge porn does to victims – it destroys lives!” she said, adding that she will never share intimate photos with a partner again.