Larissa Williams has become the first person to win a civil case under Nova Scotia's Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act, winning a $49,000 judgment against her ex-partner who posted her nude photo online without consent.
Nova Scotia Supreme Court found Cory Lester liable for sharing Williams intimate image on a website commonly used by sex workers, accompanied by her name, location, and phone number.
Justice Joshua Arnold ordered Lester to pay $45,000 in damages and $4,000 in court costs, and issued a 12-month no-contact order.
Williams said the case represents more than a personal victory.
"I have a son, and when he's older, he needs to know there are consequences for these actions," said Williams.
The incident occurred after the couple's relationship ended in 2021.
Lester posted the photo on a website for escorts, with additional personal details.
Williams discovered the post when she received a text message from an unknown number asking if she was "taking new clients."
"It was one of the most surreal moments of my life," said Williams.
"I was looking at an image of myself knowing that someone I had loved and trusted had deeply betrayed me."
Criminal charges against Lester were previously stayed due to insufficient evidence.
However, the civil case provided Williams a path to seek justice.
Her lawyer Emma Arnold hopes the case will encourage other victims to come forward.
"This is just one form of abuse enabled by new technology," said Arnold.
Williams also pointed out a rise in domestic violence incidents in Nova Scotia.
"If intimate partner violence is addressed earlier, maybe it wouldn't escalate to more severe consequences," said Williams.
The court's decision marks a significant milestone in addressing technology-related harassment and protecting individuals privacy rights.
