18 to 25-year-olds are becoming increasingly vulnerable to image-based sexual abuse, according to Women's Aid.
It recorded 639 disclosures of digital abuse last year, which includes the sharing of images without consent.
Its Annual Impact Report, shows over 33,800 disclosures of domestic abuse were submitted, mostly against women.
“While we need to consider ways to prevent and target public safety for all, it remains the case that the most dangerous place for women statistically is their own home.”
Sarah Benson, our CEO
Read our report here:https://t.co/w7G2e7NbkL.#DomesticAbuse #ZeroTolerance pic.twitter.com/UpRnlcsA62— Women's Aid Ireland (@Womens_Aid) June 14, 2022
CEO of Women's Aid, Sarah Benson, says image-based abuse is an issue they're continuing to see more of:
"We have seen over the years many hundreds of disclosures, not just of where someone has taken and shared images without permission causing a devastating impact on their victims. But also the threats to do so, and blackmail and coercion. I something we are increasingly seeing".
Sarah adds that image-based sexual abuse can have prolonged impacts on women:
"Having your intimate images all over the internet, sometimes shared with employers, or having your social media hacked and having them shared-it's such a complete violation of someone's trust, and their bodily integrity".