Image-Based Sexual Violence

by paadmin

Image-Based Sexual Violence

Taking, distributing, sharing, or circulating intimate images without the consent of the person involved.

影像性暴力
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What is Image-Based Sexual Violence?

According to the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women, image-based sexual violence refers to any of the following actions taken without the consent of the person involved:

Taking intimate images, such as photos or videos, that include private parts (nude or covered by underwear) like the genitals, buttocks, or breasts, as well as genitalia constructed through gender-affirming surgery.

Distributing, sharing, or circulating intimate images, even if they were taken with the person’s consent but without their consent for distribution.

Threatening, intimidating, or blackmailing someone into distributing their intimate images, regardless of whether the images were taken with or without the person’s consent.

Superimposing someone’s face onto pornographic images.

Sending or displaying intimate images to the person involved.

Source: Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women

Myths About Image-Based Sexual Violence

1. "If you took it, you should expect it to leak!"

Agreeing to have a photo taken does not mean agreeing to have it shared or published. Everyone has the right to decide who can view their private images. In reality, most victims find their private images maliciously distributed without their knowledge. This often happens in disputes after breakups, known as “Revenge Porn”.

2. "It's their fault for being foolish; they shouldn't have taken the photo in the first place."

This kind of thinking is unfair to the victim and constitutes “secondary victimization.” The victim did not consent to others seeing their private images; thus, the person who published the images is the one disregarding the victim’s wishes.

3. "It's just a photo; why make a big deal? No one will remember it."

Online data, photos, and images are not easily or permanently deleted. Most victims’ private images continue to circulate online, being reposted or shared across various sites, making the impact and harm difficult to estimate. Some victims have reported seeing their images on pornographic sites even years after the incident, causing them significant distress and fear that future partners might discover them.

4. "I didn't take the photo; someone else sent it to me, and I just shared it..."

In the online world, we often forward sensational or shocking messages, and leaked private images are among such attention-grabbing content. However, before forwarding, we have a responsibility to assess whether the message is harmful and whether the person involved has consented to its distribution. If you come across leaked private images, you should avoid “liking,” “sharing,” “promoting,” or “viewing” them, and avoid blaming the victim. More importantly, report the images to the website to remove them quickly and reduce harm to the victim.

Related Help Organizations and Resources

Rainlily

Hotline: 2375 5322
SafeChat Online Support
(Provides support via WhatsApp, Instagram DM, email, and online forms)
TAKE-DOWN ASSISTANCE
Assists victims of image-based sexual violence in reporting non-consensually distributed private images to online platforms.

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Sending Private Photos to a Partner—Am I to...

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