More than ‘just a picture’: experiences of non-consensual sexual image sharing among adults

Non-consensual sexual image sharing, sometimes known as ‘revenge pornography’ or ‘image-based sexual abuse’, is a phenomenon where images of a sexual nature are shared without the consent of the person depicted. The growth of digital media has caused a huge increase in occurrences of this experience, however the rapid growth and varied nature of this phenomenon renders it difficult to name, define, or conceptualise. This thesis seeks to examine the experience of having sexual imagery shared without consent among adults. It questions: what does it feel like to have sexual imagery shared without consent? How does one react to this experience? Furthermore, what lasting repercussions (if any) does the experience have? This thesis makes a clear empirical contribution this field via in-depth, qualitative interviews, conducted with both men and women affected by this phenomenon. It argues that the experience is a harmful one, but one that is greatly context-dependent- the extent to which one is impacted is reliant on a number of personal factors. It also posits that the experience can be categorised by a sensation of loss; loss of security, of trust, or reputation. Furthermore, this experience can also be categorised by a sense of shame and self-blame. This thesis offers a new perspective on the phenomenon of non-consensual sexual image sharing, exploring the varied and nuanced ways that this experience is felt and managed by those affected.