What action can I take against ex-girlfriend that got into my email account without my permission

E-mail privacy.: My ex-gf recently accessed my private email account from her home and took screenshots of private conversations I had with friends. She saved those screenshots and sent them to my friends g/f, who eventually broke up with him over the contents of that email. Is it illegal to read through someone's private email without authorization, as well as forwarding those emails to others(s). This has caused me unimaginable emotional distress because the relationship between my friend and I has since disintegrated. Some advice/help would be appreciated. Thank you! - Is this your question? Add additional information