Insights into Non-Consensual Dissemination of Intimate Images: Perceptions of Victim and Offender Culpability

• In Event: Attitude towards Crime and Punishment

Abstract

The internet has become indispensable in modern life, but it also harbors darker issues like revenge pornography, also known as the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (NCII). Despite increased awareness prompting legislation in many nations, laws often fall short in addressing victims' needs. Quantifying the prevalence and incidence of NCII globally poses challenges, as many individuals may be unaware of whether their intimate images have been taken or shared. Research has shown strong support for criminalizing NCII, but beliefs that involve victim-blaming or downplaying its severity can normalize such acts, leading to decreased support levels, particularly if a victim has produced the images themselves (e.g., through "sexting"). This study aimed to expand the limited empirical literature on perceptions of NCII by examining how the source of distributed images affects judgments and blame attributions of both victims and offenders. We devised a scenario featuring male offenders and female victims, manipulating whether the intimate images were self-taken by the victim or stealth-taken. Two hundred and fifty male and female students were assigned to two research conditions. The results suggest differential treatment of NCII victims based on their involvement in taking intimate images. Regardless of the victim's culpability, the offender was perceived as highly blameworthy and deserving severe punishment in both conditions. However, victim-blaming was evident, especially towards female victims who had taken their own photos, leading to heightened negative feelings towards them. Male participants exhibited particularly high levels of blame attribution and negative sentiments towards female victims, indicating a double standard in sexual behavior.

Authors

• Mally Shechory Bitton, Ariel University, Israel

• Liza Zvi, Ariel University