Image-based sexual abuse: The extent, nature, and predictors of perpetration in a community sample of Australian residents. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Powell, Anastasia; Henry, Nicola; Flynn, Asher; Scott, Adrian J.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 92(2019)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Image-based sexual abuse -- Cybercrime -- Perpetration -- Revenge pornography -- Victimization -- Non-consensual pornography; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.11.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) involves three key behaviors: the non-consensual taking or creation of nude or sexual images; the non-consensual sharing or distribution of nude or sexual images; and threats made to distribute nude or sexual images. IBSA is becoming increasingly criminalized internationally, representing an important and rapidly developing cybercrime issue. This paper presents findings of the first national online survey of self-reported lifetime IBSA perpetration in Australia (n = 4053), with a focus on the extent, nature, and predictors of perpetration. Overall, 11.1% (n = 411) of participants self-reported having engaged in some form of IBSA perpetration during their lifetime, with men significantly more likely to report IBSA perpetration than women. With regard to the nature of perpetration, participants reported targeting men and women at similar rates, and were more likely to report perpetrating against intimate partners or ex-partners, family members and friends than strangers or acquaintances. Logistic regression analyses identified that males, lesbian, gay or bisexual participants, participants with a self-reported disability, participants who accepted sexual image-based abuse myths, participants who engaged in or experienced sexual self-image behaviors, and participants who had a nude or sexual image of themselves taken, distributed, and/or threatened to be distributed without their consent were more likely to have engaged in some form of IBSA perpetration during their lifetime. Highlights: 1 in 10 (11.1%) of Australians aged 16–49 years surveyed, engaged in Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) perpetration. Men were significantly more likely than women to report engaging in any IBSA perpetration. Gender, sexuality and disability demographics were significantly related to IBSA perpetration. Attitudes, sexual 'selfies', and IBSA victimization, were also significantly related to IBSA perpetration.