In today's tech-driven world, the risk of private image misuse is alarmingly high, especially for women and young girls. Known as image-based abuse, it takes many forms – from threats to share personal images to the creation of fake, harmful content. This is not just a digital issue; it deeply impacts victims' lives, causing social stigma, fears for physical safety, and long-term psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicidal thoughts. Sadly, victims often face skepticism and a lack of support from both legal systems and their own communities. This only worsens their trauma and discourages them from seeking help.

UNFPA defines image-based abuse as the use of imagery, often sexual in nature, to objectify, exploit, humiliate, or harass. The ease with which technology allows the spread of such images is horrifying. Nonconsensual photos can quickly spread through text messages, online forums, and social media, or even end up on pornographic websites that fail to verify consent and age. Perpetrators often use advanced techniques like AI-powered deepfakes and exploit encryption and anonymity to mask their identities.

It's crucial to remember that image-based abuse isn't limited to women. Anyone, regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, can become a victim. However, certain groups – including women, LGBTQI+ individuals, children, and ethnic minorities – experience this abuse at disproportionately high rates, especially those with overlapping identities.