“Revenge Porn” and Image-Based Abuse: Shattering Trust and Mental Health
A Growing Crisis in Australia
Image-based abuse (IBA), often referred to as “revenge porn,” involves the non-consensual sharing, distribution, or threat to share intimate images. In Australia, this issue has escalated significantly in recent years, reflecting the complex intersection of technology, trust, and control.
Prevalence: A 2019 national survey revealed that 1 in 3 Australians have experienced some form of image-based abuse, up from 1 in 5 in 2016. This includes not only the sharing of intimate images but also threats, creepshots, and covert recordings.
Demographics: Young women (particularly those aged 16 to 29), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities are disproportionately targeted. However, image-based abuse affects people across all age groups, genders, and communities.
Case example: A university student in Sydney discovered that her ex-boyfriend had shared private Snapchat photos in a public forum. Overnight, she was bombarded with degrading messages from strangers—an experience that left her traumatised and isolated.
The Psychological Toll
The betrayal of trust through image-based abuse can trigger intense emotional reactions:
Psychological Distress: Victims report anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, and fear of future relationships. Some equate the trauma to digital sexual assault—an ongoing violation that resurfaces every time someone views or comments on the image.
Social Withdrawal: Many victims retreat from school, work, and social life. Some move homes or change jobs out of fear of recognition. Others avoid forming new relationships, fearing future betrayal.
Self-Blame and Shame: Deep societal stigma leads many survivors to blame themselves. Pervasive myths fuel this, including the belief that they “shouldn’t have taken the photo.”
Real-Life Consequences: A 23-year-old from Melbourne didn’t leave her house for weeks, convinced that “everyone had already seen me naked.”
Legal Reforms and Enforcement
Australia has made substantial progress in tackling IBA through both criminal and civil avenues:
State Legislation: All Australian states and territories now criminalise the non-consensual sharing or threat to share intimate images. In NSW, the offence carries a penalty of up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
Federal Response: In 2018, the Commonwealth introduced civil penalties via the eSafety Commissioner’s office. Perpetrators can face fines of up to $111,000, and online platforms must remove content within 24 hours of notification.
Success Rate: The eSafety Commissioner’s Image-Based Abuse team has an 85% success rate in securing removal of images and videos. Australia is considered a global leader in providing rapid support and enforcement.
Misconceptions and Harmful Attitudes
“If you took those photos, it’s your own fault.”
Reality: This is classic victim-blaming. Consent to take or share a photo privately does not imply consent for distribution. Responsibility lies solely with the person who betrayed that trust.
“It’s just a picture—how bad can it be?”
Reality: The psychological effects are profound. Victims report panic attacks, sleeplessness, and suicidal thoughts. This is a form of sexual violation, with emotional damage equal to other forms of abuse.
“There’s no point reporting—it can’t be removed.”
Reality: While removal is difficult, it’s not impossible. The eSafety Commission has successfully taken down thousands of abusive images, including from major platforms and adult websites.
“Only careless young people are affected.”
Reality: Victims span all ages. Some images are stolen, hacked, or secretly recorded. Others are weaponised during breakups or community disputes. No one deserves this abuse.
Support and Resources
Victims of image-based abuse are not alone. Support is available:
eSafety Commissioner (esafety.gov.au): Offers confidential support, image removal assistance, and legal guidance.
1800RESPECT: National hotline for sexual assault and domestic violence counselling.
Legal Aid Services: Provide free legal advice and representation for victims seeking justice.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Change
To curb image-based abuse, systemic efforts are needed across law, education, and tech sectors:
Education: Implement school and workplace programs about consent, digital safety, and respectful relationships.
Technology: Develop and deploy tools that use AI and hashing to prevent re-uploading of non-consensual content.
Law Reform: Improve global cooperation to target websites hosted overseas and enforce takedown orders internationally.
Conclusion
Image-based abuse is a growing and deeply harmful form of digital violence. Survivors deserve compassion, justice, and proactive protection. The progress in Australia’s legal and digital infrastructure shows hope—but cultural attitudes must continue to shift. Victims are never to blame. Trust betrayed online deserves the same seriousness as trust betrayed in the physical world.
If you or someone you know is affected, please reach out to 1800RESPECT or the eSafety Commission.
