Being Blackmailed? Legal Protection and Injunctions Explained

Legal Protection and Injunctions

Blackmail and coercive threats are among the most serious and distressing forms of unlawful conduct. Individuals and businesses may find themselves subjected to demands for money, concessions or silence, often accompanied by threats to disclose information, make allegations or cause reputational harm.

Such conduct may be carried out through messaging apps, telephone calls, emails or online and social media platforms. In many cases, pressure escalates rapidly if left unchallenged.

This page explains what constitutes blackmail, the legal options available to stop it, and how the courts can intervene to provide swift and effective protection.

What is blackmail?

Blackmail involves the use of threats or pressure to force another person or organisation to act against their will. This may include demands for:

• Payment of money or other financial benefit
• Silence or non-disclosure
• Withdrawal of complaints or legal claims
• Continued engagement or concessions

The defining feature of blackmail is coercion — the use of threats to obtain leverage.

Common examples of blackmail and coercive conduct

Blackmail can arise in a wide range of situations. Common examples include:

• Threats to publish private messages, images or personal information
• Demands for payment in exchange for silence
• Threats to make false allegations
• Coercion following the breakdown of personal or business relationships
• Online blackmail via social media or messaging platforms
• Attempts to pressure businesses through reputational or financial threats

In many cases, blackmail is accompanied by repeated contact or intimidation, but the presence of demands or leverage is what distinguishes it.

Blackmail, coercion and repeated unwanted conduct

While blackmail and harassment are distinct legal concepts, they often occur together. Repeated threats, pressure or intimidation may engage both civil harassment remedies and injunctions aimed at preventing disclosure or coercive behaviour.

Determining the correct legal route is essential. A strategic approach allows the most effective remedy to be pursued without escalating the situation unnecessarily.

Can civil courts stop blackmail?

Yes. Although blackmail may involve criminal elements, civil courts have wide powers to intervene and restrain coercive conduct.

Civil remedies may include:

• Injunctions preventing further threats or demands
• Orders restraining disclosure of information
• Orders requiring conduct to cease immediately

Civil action often allows for faster, more controlled intervention, particularly where urgency or reputational risk is involved.

The importance of early legal intervention

Blackmail rarely resolves itself. Delaying action can:

• Increase pressure and demands
• Encourage further escalation
• Expose individuals or businesses to reputational or financial harm

Early legal advice allows evidence to be preserved and decisive action to be taken before the situation worsens.

Evidence and preparation

If you are facing blackmail or coercive threats, it is important to preserve evidence, including:

• Messages, emails or correspondence
• Screenshots of threats or demands
• Call logs or voicemails
• Timelines of events

Specialist advice can help ensure evidence is retained and presented correctly.

Speak to a specialist solicitor

If you are facing blackmail or coercive threats and require urgent legal advice, specialist assistance is available.

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