As intimate image abuse becomes an increasingly recognised form of domestic abuse, we explore similarities between the two issues and how they coincide.
Our article also explores available support for anyone affected by this.
What is Intimate Image Abuse?
Intimate image abuse, often known in mainstream media as “revenge porn”, concerns someone sharing, threatening to share, or taking intimate images and/or videos of someone without their consent.
Domestic abuse concerns physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in relationships. It can be part of a pattern of behaviour which is threatening, violent, coercive, or controlling. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and the signs are exceptionally difficult to spot.
Refuge defines intimate image abuse as an “increasingly common” form of domestic abuse, as an attempt at coercive control. It is not uncommon for cases of intimate image abuse to be part of a wider pattern of abusive behaviours. Survivors of intimate image abuse and other forms of domestic abuse may experience shame and fear. If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, it’s important to remember that it is not your fault and you do deserve support.
What are the types of domestic abuse?
Psychological and emotional abuse
Where the perpetrator “manipulates and frightens someone, distorting their thoughts and changing their sense of self”. Using insults, sometimes disguised as jokes.
- Where a person makes someone else doubt their perception of reality.
Ongoing behaviour for the purpose of having power over someone. Examples include isolating someone from family or friends, controlling what someone does, tracking someone
Abusers may threaten to share an individual’s intimate images as a form of coercive control, to silence or blackmail them into staying in an abusive relationship.
You may feel pressured into sending intimate images of yourself, due to emotional blackmailing or manipulation.
Using technology to facilitate abuse, including using phones to online stalk, harass and impersonate.
Controlling someone’s finances including income, bank accounts, bills and spending. This type of domestic abuse can continue to affect someone’s life, even after they have left the relationship.
Sexual advances or behaviours which are performed without consent. Sexual abuse does not just have to be physical or in-person.
Physical abuse as a form of domestic abuse includes behaviour that causes injury to someone via physical contact. It is deliberate and results in harm. It can encompass many different acts including hitting, biting, punching, and may involve the use of a weapon.
What are the signs you might be experiencing domestic abuse?
Feeling like your partner has power or control over you
Being put down by your partner, making you feel small
Constantly being blamed for arguments or any abuse that occurs
Inability to have any privacy online or in-person
Restricted access to your own bank account or your friends and family
Where can I get help?
As demonstrated, there are links between intimate image abuse and domestic abuse. If you or anyone you know is affected by either of these, support is available.
If you are experiencing intimate image abuse, you can call the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 6000 459 or email us at help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk
If you believe that you or someone you know may be experiencing some form of domestic abuse, please seek support.
England
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children in England. You can learn more about what they do on their website.
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a 24-hour helpline supporting women experiencing domestic abuse in England. You can find more information on their website and get in touch with their helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Wales
Welsh Women’s Aid is the national charity in Wales working to end domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women. You can find out more on their website.
Live Fear Free Helpline provides help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse, and sexual violence in Wales. You can find read more on their website and get in touch with their helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
Scotland
Scottish Women's Aid supports women in Scotland experiencing domestic abuse. You can read more on their website and call their helpline on 0800 027 1234.
If you believe that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm or homicide, please contact the emergency services on 999.
For further information about various forms of intimate image abuse, please visit our website.
