A feminist exploration of image-based sexual abuse

Ablett, Grace 2024. A feminist exploration of image-based sexual abuse. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

As technology and internet use has become prevalent in society, many now have the means to enact violence anonymously and easily. With the rise of AI and deepfake pornography, it is possible for someone to perpetrate sexual violence without meeting or being in proximity to the victim. The focus of this thesis is image-based sexual abuse, a form of technology-facilitated sexual violence which can broadly be defined as the nonconsensual taking and sharing of nude or sexual images. In this study, a survey and interviews are used to address two key aims. Firstly, the study builds understanding of attitudes towards IBSA and how these are linked to victim blaming and other myths about sexual violence. The thesis also explores how IBSA is experienced by victims and develops the empirical evidence on technology use in sexual violence. Both aims focus on the gendered nature of attitudes and experiences of IBSA. The study builds on previous feminist research on sexual violence, and makes a novel contribution through the development of a feminist analytical framework that links IBSA to feminist research and patriarchal social structures. This thesis makes a further contribution by developing an IBSA typology. Importantly, this distinguishes IBSA as a form of sexual violence from other forms of image-based abuse (IBA) which were captured in the research. It establishes that IBSA has much in common with other forms of gendered sexual violence, whereas IBA is less clearly sexual and gendered in nature. Previous research has not distinguished these forms of abuse. Finally, it is clear from the research findings that IBSA has become an ‘everyday’ experience for many and something that is expected for those engaging in online spaces, particularly women, as reflected by attitudes towards and experiences of IBSA. This has implications for how IBSA should be addressed.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Funders:	ESRC
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	11 February 2025
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2025 15:14
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/176080

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