Bystander Reactions to Sextortion Victimization: The Role of Personal Characteristics, Attitudes Towards IBSA and Confidence and Responsibility to Intervene

• In Event: Technology-Facilitated Victimization: Risks and Long-Term Harms

Abstract

Sextortion is a form of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), in which perpetrators threaten to share intimate images unless demands are met, to coerce victims into performing certain behaviors (e.g., sending money or intimate images). Bystander intervention plays a critical role in preventing or mitigating the harm caused by sextortion. Bystanders can support victims and encourage formal help-seeking, which is important since victims experience various barriers to seeking help (Pijlman et al., 2024, 2025). However, bystanders face significant barriers to intervene, including fear of retribution and uncertainty about how to intervene (Mainwaring et al., 2023). Although research has explored bystander behaviour in various contexts, there is a notable gap in understanding bystander interventions in cases of sextortion. In the present research, we study sextortion victims’ experiences with bystander intervention, and the actual bystander reactions to sextortion of a nationally representative sample from the Netherlands. In addition, intended bystander reactions are studied by means of vignettes based on prior bystander research (Mainwaring, 2023). The findings will be related to the sample’s demographics, opinions about IBSA, feelings of responsibility and confidence to intervene. Overall, with this study, we aim to offer insight into bystander reactions and provide recommendations on increasing proactive bystander involvement.

Author

• Valérie Pijlman, NSCR (Nederlands Studiecentrum Criminaliteit en Rechtshandhaving)