P028. Digital Exploitation and Privacy Violation: A Study on Victimization through Non-Consensual Intimate Images

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Abstract

Technological advancements and the rise of social media have introduced new forms of digital violence, including the unauthorized dissemination of intimate images. This study examines the prevalence of victimization through non-consensual sexual image abuse in Portugal, analyzing the psychological and social impact on victims. The primary goal is to understand the scope of the problem, identify victim profiles, and assess the emotional and behavioral consequences of this type of violence.
The research is based on the Portuguese adaptation of the Non-Consensual Image Survey (Umbach et al., 2024), a structured questionnaire with five sections covering victimization experiences and their effects. Data collection took place between February and March 2025 via an online survey, currently including 223 participants, with a final target of 250 respondents. Preliminary findings indicate that 8% of participants reported being victims of this abuse, with the sample consisting of 75% women, 23.2% men, and 1.7% non-binary individuals, aged 18 to 72 years.
The results suggest that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images is a growing threat, requiring effective measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. This research underscores the need for robust public policies, enhanced legislation, and awareness campaigns to combat this violation of privacy and individual dignity.

Authors

• Ana Isabel Sani, University Fernando Pessoa (UFP); OPVC-UFP; CIEC-UM

• Telma Castro, University Fernando Pessoa