An Exploration of Victim Blaming and Bystander Intervention in the Context of Image-Based Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

This scoping review synthesises the current literature to explore the related concepts of victim blaming and bystander intervention in the context of image-based sexual abuse. Image-based sexual abuse refers to the creation, taking and distribution of non-consensual intimate images, including the threat to share or distribute. The databases Web of Science, ASSIA, ProQuest Dissertation & Theses and Scopus were searched in August 2024, with an updated search being conducted in December 2025. A supplementary search was conducted in Google Scholar, along with a hand search of four key journals within the topic area. The search focused on five geographical locations that share a common cultural background (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia). A total of 31 studies and reviews were included. The main findings were that: (a) there is limited research in relation to bystander intervention in the context of image-based sexual abuse; (b) there are no studies that examine the relationship between victim blaming and bystander intervention; (c) there appears to be a gendered dimension in relation to the phenomena (victim blaming and bystander intervention), which is reflected in the literature around image-based sexual abuse; (d) accountability and victim blaming are increased when a victim–survivor has created the images/videos themselves; (e) research within this area neglects the experiences of diverse communities, specifically sexual and gender minority people; and (f) there appears to be a disregard to capture the experiences of men who are victim–survivors, irrespective of sexual identity.