If someone suspects — or has seen — evidence of illicit underage images connected to their partner (past or present), particularly within a marriage, it’s vital to understand their legal, psychological, and ethical responsibilities. This article is written from a trauma-informed and legally responsible lens, ideal for survivors, support professionals, and public awareness.
🚨 If You Suspect or Discover Illicit Images of Minors in a Marriage: What You Must Do
📢 Report. Protect. Speak Up.
Marriage, partnership, or family ties do not shield anyone from accountability. If you have reason to believe — or have discovered — illicit or sexualized images of minors on a partner’s device, the responsibility to act becomes even more urgent.
These crimes have victims: real children, often silenced and unseen. Reporting isn’t just about law — it’s about protecting the vulnerable and reclaiming your own peace and safety.
⚖️ The Legal Responsibility: What Spanish Law Says
Under Spanish criminal law (Article 189 of the Criminal Code), any possession, production, or sharing of sexual material involving minors under 18 is a serious criminal offense. This includes:
- Real photos or videos
- AI-generated or manipulated content
- Any form of “sexting” involving minors
- Even unopened content knowingly stored on a device
➡️ Penalties range from 1 to 9 years in prison, and significantly more if the perpetrator was in a position of trust, such as a parent, step-parent, guardian, or educator.
👩⚖️ What to Do if You Suspect or Discover This Material
1. Do Not Try to Handle This Alone
If you are in a relationship, marriage, or divorce process and have seen or suspect the existence of such material:
- Trust what you saw or felt — your instincts matter.
- Do not try to confront the person directly (this can lead to danger, gaslighting, or destruction of evidence).
- You are not overreacting. You are protecting lives — possibly your own as well.
🛑 DO NOT:
- Delete or move the files
- Copy or forward the images (even to show someone)
- Try to “catch” them or trap them
- Confront them without support
Instead:
✅ Take These Steps Immediately
🔹 1. Tell Your Therapist
If you are in therapy, especially for trauma, domestic abuse, or emotional recovery, share what you’ve seen or suspect:
- Your therapist can help you emotionally regulate, validate your experience, and support you through the reporting process.
- They are often trained in mandatory reporting and may help initiate the right procedures with the authorities.
🔸 Example:
“I saw something on his phone once that didn’t feel right. It looked like a young girl in a sexual pose, and I’ve been too scared to tell anyone.”
This is more than enough to begin.
🔹 2. Inform Your Lawyer — Especially During Divorce or Custody Cases
- Your family or divorce lawyer must know about this — especially if children are involved or if you are in a custody battle.
- Ask them to file this formally or guide you to the right legal team (criminal or child protection specialists).
- They can ensure this evidence is properly handled and included in legal proceedings where appropriate.
🔹 3. Report to the Police or Guardia Civil Immediately
You can report:
- At your local police station
- Online (anonymous options exist)
- Through specialized cybercrime units
In Spain, use:
- Policía Nacional: https://www.policia.es/_es/colabora.php
- Guardia Civil cybercrime: https://www.guardiacivil.es
- Or call 112 for emergency reporting
➡️ The police will often request the device, context, or screenshots. Do not try to collect these yourself — simply share what you know or suspect.
🧠 Why It’s So Important to Speak Up — Even If You’re Not Sure
Victims of child sexual abuse often stay hidden, their pain unknown. If someone in your home, family, or relationship is accessing or storing this kind of content, it is not just a private matter — it’s a serious crime with devastating consequences for children.
You might be the only person who saw something.
⚠️ Even one image is enough to open an investigation.
💬 “But I’m Afraid No One Will Believe Me…”
This is a common fear — especially if you’re recovering from emotional abuse, narcissistic relationships, or coercive control. But remember:
- You do not need to be certain — a suspicion or uneasy gut feeling is enough to start asking questions.
- Your safety comes first — tell your therapist, lawyer, or a trusted support person who can help you report safely.
- You are not alone. There are laws, professionals, and support networks ready to stand with you.
🧠 Summary: Quick Guide to Reporting Suspected Abuse in a Marriage
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| You saw something suspicious once | Tell your therapist and lawyer. Document your memory. |
| You found something on a shared device | Do not delete it. Notify police or cybercrime unit. |
| You’re unsure but feel something is wrong | Talk to a trauma-informed therapist and seek legal advice. |
| You’re in a custody case | Immediately inform your legal team and child protection services. |
📢 SOMETHING WRONG? ACT.
🔴 SEE SOMETHING WRONG? ACT.
If you suspect or discover illicit images involving minors on a partner’s device — even during a marriage — you must speak up.
🛑 Don’t delete it.
🛑 Don’t ignore it.
✅ Tell your therapist.
✅ Tell your lawyer.
✅ Tell the police.
Children’s lives depend on adults doing the right thing — even when it’s hard.
