Bystander Intervention in Image-Based Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Research suggests that bystanders to image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), a prevailing form of technology-facilitated sexual violence, can significantly prevent or mitigate harm through intervention. Yet little empirical research focusing on bystanders and IBSA exists. This scoping review aims to consolidate current knowledge of bystanders and IBSA by synthesizing findings related to terminology, prevalence, attitudes, modes of intervention, and facilitators and barriers to intervention. A systematic search of scholarly and gray literature identified 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria of being published in English or Danish and explicitly focusing on bystander perspectives. The review reveals inconsistent IBSA terminology across studies, complicating cross-study comparisons. Prevalence findings indicate that witnessing IBSA is most common among young adults, and where intimate images are nonconsensually shared (a specific form of IBSA). While most bystanders recognize IBSA as wrong, intervention declines when victims are female and perceived as having high sexual agency. Furthermore, despite expressing intentions to intervene, many bystanders ultimately choose inaction due to fear of social or physical backlash or uncertainty about how to act. Facilitators include empathy for the victim and anticipated support for intervention. The findings underscore the need for preventive initiatives to address gendered social norms around IBSA, offer clear and practical bystander guidance, and raise awareness of non-police resources such as counseling helplines. Notably, demographic data on gender diversity, sexuality, Indigeneity, ethnicity/race, and disability were insufficiently explored, leaving a critical gap for future research.