The Lasting Impact of Image-Based Child Sexual Violence
REPORT
Findings from an International Survey of Adult Survivors
Our new report explores the complex and long-lasting consequences of image-based child sexual abuse and exploitation victims and survivors face, including impacts on their emotional and psychological wellbeing, relationships, education, employment, social life, everyday activities, and sexual health.
Published: 19 October 2026
The Lasting Impact of Image-Based Child Sexual Violence
Findings from an International Survey of Adult Survivors
“It seemed the pain would subside over time, but five years later, negative thoughts still torment me and prevent me from living a normal life. In the short term, there was a distinct period of depression; in the long term, a constant, agonizing feeling.” - Anonymous survivor of image-based child sexual violence.
This report presents findings from the Through the Lens survey, an anonymous international survey exploring the experiences and impacts of image-based child sexual violence among adult survivors.
Quick findings:
For many survivors, the impact was lasting and significant. 85% reported that their experiences had affected their lives, while 61% said their lives had been disrupted and 47% described the impact as significant or devastating.
Survivors reported substantial emotional and psychological impacts. 71% experienced difficult emotions, thoughts, or memories, while 69% experienced anxiety, worry, sadness, or difficulties with daily activities. 44% reported suicidal ideation and 31% reported having hurt themselves.
Many survivors coped with the impacts through risky or unsafe behaviour. 29% used alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope, and 24% reported risky or unsafe behaviour.
The impact extended into relationships, education, employment, and access to healthcare.
Sexual health and relationships were significantly affected. 63% reported that their experience affected their ability to have or enjoy sexual relations, while 53% reported entering romantic relationships that felt unhappy, unhealthy, or harmful.
Almost half experienced further sexual violence.
The findings point to the importance of understanding the specific long-term impacts of image-based sexual violence on victims and survivors, to develop better support and resources.
We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of all victims and survivors of image-based child sexual violence who shared their experiences and insights in the survey. |
This report is part of Project Lens, an initiative which aims to understand and prevent emerging forms of image-based sexual violence against children.
The project is led by Protect Children, with the University of Eastern Finland as partner.
The project has Child's Rights Defenders League (Kyrgyzstan), Istiqbolli Avlod (Uzbekistan), Tashabbusi Huquqi (Tajikistan), Union of Crisis Centers (Kazakhstan) and Women Lawyers (Tajikistan) as local partners.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided for this project by Safe Online. Learn more at https://safeonline.global/
