Image-Based Sexual Abuse: Online Distribution Channels and Illicit Communities of Support

Violence Against Women. 2019 Dec;25(16):1932-1955. doi: 10.1177/1077801219863881. Epub 2019 Jul 30.

Abstract

This article investigates the nature and scope of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) material on 77 high-volume online websites. On the majority of these sites, users appeared to be motivated by sexual gratification and proving masculinity to a sexually deviant peer network, rather than revenge against the person depicted in the image. We argue that nonconsensual image exchanges are contextualized within ever-expanding digital environments, characterized by dislocation of time and space, overvisualization, and hypersexuality. We argue that IBSA is a vehicle for the construction, performativity, and negotiation of hypermasculinity and heteronormativity, within the bounds and structures of existing gendered power relations.

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse; online deviant communities; revenge pornography.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Erotica / psychology
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Paraphilic Disorders / psychology
  • Sex Offenses / psychology*
  • Sex Offenses / trends
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Media / standards
  • Social Media / trends*
  • Social Support*