The relationship ended months ago, but the nightmares persist.

Her former partner released the video online (WhatsApp) in groups.

“I lost everything,” she says softly.

“I don’t go out anymore. My grades dropped. I had to leave campus for a while.”

She is one of many young people whose lives have taken a dark turn due to the sharing of intimate images that ended up online without their consent.

In a recent survey by The Citizen, cases like Judith’s are on the rise in Tanzanian universities including the University of Dodoma (UDOM), University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Mzumbe University, Sokoine University of Agriculture (USA ) and the College of Business Education in Dar es Salaam that the survey was conducted.

These stories tell of betrayal, broken trust, and the devastating impact digital privacy can have when wielded as a weapon.

Campus love, often marked by excitement and confidence, takes a dangerous turn in today’s digital age.

Many young couples, or cohabitants, share intimate videos or photos, believing that their partners will keep these moments private.

However, the unfortunate reality is that these videos and photos often resurface online, especially after breakups, leading to deep emotional scars, academic failures, and in some cases, the destruction of future careers.

James Magasha, 25 (another pseudonym), a former student at Mzumbe University, remembers the fallout after his intimate photos were leaked by an ex-girlfriend.

“I trusted her and she trusted me, or so I thought,” he says.

“When we broke up, I didn’t think he would do this to me. Now, I feel like everyone knows my secrets.”

The public exposure caused James to temporarily leave the university, avoid social gatherings and even lose touch with close friends.

The emotional and psychological toll

Psychologists warn that the psychological effects of such betrayals are often severe, leading to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

“The trauma of having intimate images shared without consent is real,” says Dar es Salaam psychologist Dr Martha Njau.

“Victims often isolate themselves, become distrustful of relationships and sometimes drop out of academic or professional pursuits due to shame and embarrassment,” she adds.

The lasting impact is not limited to campus life.

Some victims move out of their hometowns entirely, hoping to escape the judgment they face from society.

Families are also deeply affected, with some parents abandoning long-held hopes for their children’s future.

“I had dreams for her,” says one parent, who spoke anonymously about his daughter’s suffering at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

“Now she barely comes out of her room.”

In Tanzania, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, specifically Section 14, imposes severe penalties on those who publish or cause pornography to be published.

Offenders can face a fine of at least Sh20 million or at least ten years in prison.

Section 27 also punishes anyone who conspires to commit such offences.

Despite these provisions, legal experts say there is an urgent need for more accessible avenues for victims to safely report these incidents.

A lawyer, Joseph Masawe explains that most victims are afraid to come forward.

“They worry about being labeled as criminals themselves because they allowed the images to be taken and many are also put off by the social stigma.”

Cybersecurity expert Omar Said suggests awareness programs at universities could help students understand the risks associated with sharing intimate content, particularly in first-year cohorts.

“It’s about educating students about digital boundaries and the potential long-term consequences of sharing personal content,” he says.

However, legal redress remains a challenge.

“When we advise people, we tell them not to take intimate pictures or share them,” says one adviser.

“The law can protect them, but it’s not easy to delete something once it’s online.”

A cross section of experiences

Sarah, a third-year student in the US, was married when her husband started asking for explicit photos while she was away at school.

“I thought it was harmless, a way to keep our bond strong despite the distance,” she recalls.

However, after a bitter argument, he posted the photos online and her life fell apart.

“I am seen as ‘damaged goods’ by my colleagues. Even if he took them down, the internet never forgets,” she says, her voice full of regret.

The issue cuts across genders and marital status, but women in particular bear a heavier societal burden.

Once exposed, many feel they have lost their entire future.

For married students like Sarah, the stigma is compounded as they are often seen as having ‘disgraced’ their families.

Other countries have made strides in addressing the problem.

In the UK, for example, the ‘Revenge Porn Helpline’ offers victims a confidential service, helping them navigate the legal process and remove non-consensual images.

The US has also introduced strict revenge pornography laws that provide substantial protection to victims, with some states offering civil remedies.

“There is a lesson in how other countries have approached this problem,” notes Dr. Njau.

“Creating support systems and helplines, providing psychological support and implementing rapid removal measures are essential steps that Tanzania could emulate to protect our youth. Some can even be placed on campuses.”

As digital privacy becomes more common, experts insist that education around digital safety is crucial.

“We cannot ignore the fact that young people will continue to form relationships, often in ways influenced by technology,” says cyber security expert Omar Said.

“But we need to emphasize the long-term impact and real consequences of sharing private content.”

The damage from a single moment of digital intimacy shared with the wrong person can last a lifetime.

Many victims lose their dreams and, in some cases, their will to move on, shadowed by a mistake they may never be able to erase.

For university students in Tanzania and beyond, it is a painful reminder that in matters of trust, especially online, caution is key.

As Judith tearfully concludes, “I thought he loved me. Now, I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe again.”