If you or a loved one has experienced the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, we want you to know that you are not alone. This violation of privacy and autonomy, often referred to as “revenge porn,” is a form of image-based sexual abuse. We believe you, and we are here to provide information and support.
What is Image-based Abuse?
Image-based abuse is defined as the sharing of intimate images of a person without their consent to enact revenge, humiliate the person, or receive personal gain. Image-based sexual abuse encompasses a range of behaviors involving the non-consensual creation, obtainment, or sharing of intimate images. This includes:
- “Revenge porn”: Sharing intimate images to enact revenge, humiliate, or gain personally
- “Sextortion”: Threatening to share intimate images to coerce a victim
- “Upskirting”: Non-consensually capturing images underneath a victim’s clothes
- “Deepfakes”: Using artificial intelligence to create fake sexual images or videos of a victim
It is important to note that recently, the name “revenge porn” has been flagged by organizations like RAINN for implying that the harm was deserved. Now, many advocates and researchers favor the term image based sexual abuse, or IBSA.
Impact
The exact prevalence of IBSA remains unclear due to recently developing definitions and research methodologies, but the impacts are clear. Research estimates that 80% of revenge porn victims experience profound stress and anxiety. Similar to effects of sexual assault, victims may experience depression, anxiety, anorexia, self harm, suicide, negative alcohol use, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The humiliation and loss of autonomy associated with tmage-based sexual abuse can show itself in extreme vigilance online and in relationships. Victims may isolate and experience difficulties in work or school, sometimes including expulsion or loss of employment.
Research has traditionally centered on women victims, but newer findings suggest that men and women may experience image-based sexual abuse at similar rates. In addition, LGBTQ+ individuals and younger adults aged 18-29 are more likely to experience image based sexual abuse. African American, Native Alaskan, and Indigenous North American women may also be at heightened risk.
Overall, the lack of understanding of image-based sexual abuse can become a barrier to seeking help. Knowledge and awareness can be the first step to tangible change interpersonally and systemically.
Legislation and Advocacy
Laws encompassing IBSA have been reactive at points and can therefore be limiting in their applicability to a variety of digital abuses. Laws against IBSA, particularly revenge porn, have been increasing but can still be limited. In the US, most states have revenge porn laws, but categorization and standards of evidence vary.
In the US, almost all states have adopted laws targeting revenge porn and they are categorized differently depending on jurisdiction. Some states call revenge porn an obscenity offense, while others call it an infringement of privacy, harassment, or a miscellaneous offense. Alongside categorization, standards of evidence to litigate or convict vary by state, meaning that consent, the victim’s expectation of privacy, and the offender’s intent or knowledge of possible harm are called into question to different degrees.
Sexual violence advocates and experts argue that image-based sexual abuse should be categorized as a sex offense, given how it violates a victim’s autonomy and consent, with impacts comparable to other sexual offenses. However, some court opponents claim that classifying it as such would infringe on free speech rights. Ultimately, the profound harm IBSA causes to victims’ sexual autonomy, mental health, and lives makes a compelling case for treating it as a serious sexual offense in both law and society.
In the News
Recently, deepfakes of Taylor Swift attracted millions of views as well as shares and saves in the hundreds of thousands after being posted on X for less than 24 hours. Since this event, at least 10 states and 3 United States Senators have pursued legislation against this newly recognized form of sexual assault.
You Are Not Alone
If you or a loved one has been affected by image based sexual abuse, we believe you. Know that you are not alone and that you are deserving of full protection from these harms.
The National Revenge Porn Helpline serves those residing in the United Kingdom by phone, but includes a comprehensive list of resources that may help those who live in other countries. The website also links to Stop NCII, an online photo removal tool that can be used by those over 18 worldwide.
This article from the Federal Trade commission includes a helpline, state laws, and an online removal guide for those residing in the US.
For those under 18, refer to the RAINN hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
Healing is possible. You are not to blame for what happened to you. Support and resources are available to help you on your journey. Together, we can work towards a world free of image-based sexual abuse.
- https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1815&context=jcl
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10896-023-00557-z
- https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/manipulating-reality-intersection-deepfakes-law-2024-02-01/
- https://apnews.com/article/deepfake-images-taylor-swift-state-legislation-bffbc274dd178ab054426ee7d691df7e
- https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/deepfake-bill-open-door-victims-sue-creators-rcna136434
