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What is image-based abuse?

At ECU, the safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. This extends to their safety online.

Image-based abuse

Image-based abuse happens when an intimate image or video is shared, or threatened to be shared, without the consent of the person pictured. This includes images that are digitally altered.

Examples of image-based abuse include:

  • Taking a nude or sexual image of another person without their permission
  • Sharing a nude or sexual image of another person without their permission
  • Posting a nude or sexual image of another person online without their permission
  • Photoshopping a person's image onto a sexually explicit photograph or video
  • Filming a sexual assault
  • Sharing images of a sexual assault
  • Threatening to distribute nude or sexual images of another person, even if these images don't exist
  • Accessing another person's personal computer files and stealing their intimate images.

Image-based abuse can also be called  'revenge pornography'. However, revenge is not always the motivator behind image-based abuse. People might use this abuse for different reasons, including for money or to embarrass or control another person.

Image-based abuse is not acceptable. It is a form of abuse and it is against the law. If someone has shared, or threatened to share, an image of you with others without your permission, they have betrayed your trust and broken the law.

If you experienced image-based abuse, it is your not fault.

Take action on image-based abuse

  • Report to the police – it is against the law to share, or threaten to share, an intimate image of someone who does not consent or is under the age of 18
  • Report to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner – they can help to remove intimate images and other offensive or illegal content from the internet
  • Report to ECU – we encourage our students and staff to report any instances of sexual harassment or sexual assault to ECU
  • Seek support – you can contact ECU's counselling service for support. You can also contact 1800 Respect for confidential information, referrals and counselling.
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