Image-based Abuse Initiative
Establishing a comprehensive, actionable, survivor-centered framework to confront and prevent image-based abuse
Everyone deserves autonomy over their body and image
Just as we built a robust response to the rape kit backlog, we are constructing a comprehensive, actionable, survivor-centered framework to change the trajectory of the evolving crisis of image-based abuse.
These crimes may be virtual, but the impact is real. Image-based abuse is a profound violation of privacy and autonomy, leaving survivors reporting feeling humiliated and unsafe, often suffering from depression, fear, anxiety, damaged reputations, job loss and social isolation. Some people targeted by this form of violence, in particular “sextortion,” have died by suicide as a result of these effects. No matter what form it takes, this abuse has devastating effects that can last for years.
Therefore, we are working in close collaboration with survivors, policymakers, prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates. Together we are constructing a framework that will ensure policy and action that centers survivors’ ability to manage the aftermath of their trauma, find safety and heal.
What is image-based abuse?
Image-based abuse is a form of technology-facilitated abuse, which involves the use of an individual’s intimate image to harm, manipulate and control them by distributing, or threatening to distribute, intimate images without that individual’s consent. These intimate images can be real photographs or videos, digitally generated synthetic images or videos, or both.
Key Points and Definitions
- The images involved in this form of abuse can be considered intimate based on cultural context, without necessarily depicting nudity or sex.
- Other common names for image-based abuse include “revenge porn” or “cyber harassment,” as well as “sextortion,” which involves blackmail.
- We use the term image-based abuse to shift focus away from the actions of the victim and to avoid speculating on the motivations of the perpetrator (which are varied). Instead, we focus on the lack of consent and the harm this abuse causes.
Forms of image-based abuse
Looking for more in-depth information about image-based abuse?
Check out some of our other resources.
This is a growing crisis
Survivors of image-based abuse report feeling violated, humiliated and unsafe. They often suffer from depression, fear and anxiety as well as damage to reputations, job loss and social isolation. Some survivors have died by suicide afer discovering deepfake videos were made with their likeness. No matter what form the abuse takes, it has a devastating effect on survivors that can last for years.
276K
deepfake images online
As of 2023, Home Security Heroes reports that 98% of deepfake visuals are pornographic in nature, and 99% target women. *
*My Image My Choice
4 Bil
views
4,219,974,115 views represents a 1,780% increase compared with 2019. *
*My Image My Choice
9.5k
sites
There are at least 9,500 sites “devoted to non-consensual intimate imagery.” *
* Professor Danielle Citron, University of Virginia School of Law
Adults reporting experiences of image-based abuse
- In the US, 1 in 12 adults reported being victims of image-based abuse.
- In the UK and Australia that number is 1 in 3.
- These crimes are often underreported, and the real number could be much higher.
The FBI recently warned that young boys are often the victims of sextortion.
- From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors.
- This included at least 12,600 victims, primarily boys. Investigations found that these crimes led to at least 20 suicides.
*FBI.gov
Potential health effects of image-based abuse
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Physical health problems
Survivors of image-based abuse may have to
- file restraining orders
- change jobs
- move homes
- which can result in severe distress and financial hardship.
Image-based abuse is a domestic violence issue
“One threat to share an image if the victim leaves could be enough to keep the victim entrapped in the relationship and subservient to the demands of the perpetrator.”
Source: International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice 2023
In the context of domestic violence, abusers may share, or threaten to share, intimate photos or videos of survivors in order to manipulate, punish or control the survivor.
Abusers may also send, or threaten to send, images directly to friends, family and others in the community who know the victim.
A perpetrator can come into possession of photos in various ways, including:
- Taking the photo or video themselves
- Receiving the photo or video from the person in the video in the form of a selfie
- Stealing, photo-shopping, or generating an image using AI to look like the survivor
The current legal response remains highly inadequate
“If we’re not careful, not only will we create a new generation of victims, but also a new generation of abusers.”
Dr. Mary Anne Franks, Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor in Intellectual Property, Technology, and Civil Rights Law, George Washington University
Legislation is being outpaced by the speed at which technology is evolving. Presently there is only a patchwork of state laws which address some, but not all, issues related to image-based abuse. It’s clear that the U.S. needs a comprehensive legislative approach to image-based abuse.
- While most states prohibit the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images—both authentic and AI-generated—significant gaps remain. To be truly comprehensive, these laws must evolve to be more survivor-centered and reduce obstacles to justice by covering the full spectrum of abuse, including sextortion, and providing robust civil remedies.
- The federal TAKE IT DOWN Act prohibits the nonconsensual disclosure of intimate images; however, we have yet to see how it will be implemented and enforced.
- There is a federal civil cause of action for NDII, but it does not cover deepfakes.
Resources are available
Experiencing image based abuse can be traumatizing and isolating. It’s an experience that no one deserves to go through, and it is not your fault. If you’re struggling, you are not alone and you can find a path forward with support.
Resources for Survivors
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) Helpline supports victims of nonconsensual pornography, sextortion, deepfakes and other forms of image-based sexual abuse. Call 1-844-878-2274 or visit cybercivilrights.org for free advice 24/7.
- Revenge PornHelpline is a UK service that supports adults who are experiencing intimate image abuse.
- EndTAB provides training for organizations to help address online abuse. Visit endtab.org to learn more and schedule a consultation call.
- Stop NCII is a free tool designed to support victims of nonconsensual intimate image abuse by creating a hash for your intimate image or video that participating companies can use to detect and remove the images. Visit stopncii.org for help.
- C.A. Goldberg, PLLC is a law firm representing victims of online harassment, cyberstalking and revenge porn.