Case Study Summary
Sarah's* experience of intimate image abuse did not begin with a public leak. It began earlier, within a private relationship built on trust and in systems that offered her no protection when that trust was broken. During their relationship, Sarah shared intimate images and videos with her partner consensually. Some were taken on her phone, others on his, and some were sent directly between them. She repeatedly asked that the content be deleted after viewing, and was reassured that it had been. At the time, Sarah had no reason to doubt this. Like many people, she believed that once something was deleted, it was gone.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect anonymity.
From Trust to Threats
After the relationship ended, Sarah began receiving threats. Her ex-partner warned that he would share the intimate images with people who mattered most to her, including her parents and her college peers. Because they attended the same college and were part of shared group chats, the threats felt immediate and real.
When Sarah refused demands for money and pressure to resume the relationship, the situation escalated. One video was shared in a college group chat. Later, a naked image of Sarah appeared publicly on a social media page, an intimate image she did not even know had been taken. False narratives followed, including claims that she was selling content online.
Living Without Proof
A defining part of Sarah's experience was the absence of evidence. Although she believed she knew who was responsible, she had no way to show how the intimate images were being kept, restored, or shared. The threats continued, but without proof of ongoing possession or distribution, there was little she could do.
