Dear Guru I was in a relationship with a guy before my marriage where we had physical relation and he had taken videos without my consent. I had to leave him as he was physically and emotionally abusive and was not taking relationship to marriage. I am now married and my husband knows I had a relationship, but not details. My husband wants to start a family and I am worried if the videos will come out in future and bring shame to family and my kid. I am not able to decide what to do? Please advice.

Ans: You’ve already made a reasonable request for him to delete the material, but his refusal is an indication that he is not respecting your boundaries. His actions—or lack of action—are now about him choosing his convenience over your emotional security. This is a painful and difficult dynamic to navigate. The next step is to recognize that, while you can’t control his behavior, you absolutely have the right to continue asserting your needs. It might be helpful to make your request one more time, but this time with a sense of finality. Clearly express that you are no longer comfortable with him holding onto any part of your shared past, and that you expect him to respect that. Be firm, but also protect yourself emotionally by being clear that this is non-negotiable.

If he continues to refuse or ignore your request, consider taking further action. This could involve seeking legal advice on how to protect your privacy. In many places, there are legal avenues to protect against the non-consensual sharing or retention of intimate material, even after a relationship ends. Legal action is, of course, a more extreme measure, but if you feel your privacy is at risk or that the situation is escalating, it may be necessary to explore this option.

Throughout this process, be kind to yourself. It’s easy to slip into self-blame when someone else disrespects your boundaries, but remember that you are entitled to make choices about your body, your image, and your privacy at any point in your life. Trust yourself to learn from this experience and move forward with stronger boundaries in future relationships. You’ve already taken a healthy first step by recognizing the need for change, and now you’re moving toward regaining control of the situation. Keep focusing on your wellbeing, and know that your feelings and needs matter.

Ans: At this point, it’s essential to protect your emotional and mental health while addressing this issue. You might consider seeking support from someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member, to share this burden. Talking to someone who knows you and your situation can provide comfort and practical guidance.

If he continues to refuse, you may need to explore your legal options. Many countries have laws that protect individuals from having private photos or videos kept or shared without their consent. Taking this step might feel daunting, but it could give you a sense of empowerment and security. It’s not about revenge or escalation; it’s about protecting yourself and asserting your right to move forward without this hanging over you.

On an emotional level, remind yourself that you are not defined by this relationship or the choices you made while in it. You trusted someone who didn’t honor that trust, but this doesn’t diminish your value or strength. It’s natural to feel regret, but you deserve compassion from yourself as you work through this.

You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek help—whether that’s legal advice, emotional support from loved ones, or even professional counseling to navigate the stress and anxiety this situation might be causing. The most important thing now is to take steps that protect your peace of mind and ensure your future isn’t weighed down by his actions.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am really sorry you are going through such a tough time. What your ex is doing is emotional abuse and threatening to leak someone’s private pictures without their consent is also a criminal offense. I am assuming you do not want to involve your family in this matter yet– in that case, you must learn how to protect yourself. First of all, keep evidence of the threats he is making- screenshots, call records, etc. Second, let him know that in India, this is a criminal offense and you are ready to go all out if he decides to leak anything without your consent. You can also either report to cyber crime confidentially or at the very least, tell him that you are considering doing the same. Next, make sure to sever all ties. In most cases, these are empty threats to keep people under control. If he can’t contact you, he can’t threaten you. Lastly, consider informing someone you trust. And most importantly, do not ever think you are helpless. You might fear involving family, but in your worst times, family is the biggest pillar of strength. If things go too far, consider informing your family as well.

Hope these help.