A man who shared explicit images of his ex-girlfriend online has been ordered by a jury to pay her £1.2 billion. The lawsuit claims that he posted the images on various online platforms, including email and a pornography site, and even hacked into a security camera in her Texas home to access some of the pictures. He also allegedly created fake social media profiles and a website to distribute the photos. The woman, known as Jane Doe in court documents, filed the lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend in April 2022. Despite the defendant’s absence and lack of response, the jury ruled in favor of the woman and recommended the substantial damages. While it is unlikely that the full amount will be recovered, the verdict sends a strong message about the seriousness of image-based sexual abuse. The woman’s lawyers praised her courage in filing the lawsuit and hope that it serves as a warning to others who engage in similar behavior. The couple had a difficult breakup in 2020 after meeting in Texas and moving to Chicago. The woman eventually returned to Harris County to live with her mother, but her ex retained access to her social media accounts and her mother’s home security cameras, using them as part of his campaign of online abuse. The relentless harassment took a toll on the woman’s mental health, leading to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Her attorneys emphasized the lasting impact of the abuse, noting that she now struggles with appearing on video calls with her coworkers. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available through organizations like the Samaritans, who offer a free helpline open 24/7.