Invisible Violations: An Exploratory Study into Public Sentiments on Nonconsensual Distribution of Intimate Images in Trinidad and Tobago.

Abstract

Nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (NDII), commonly misrepresented as "revenge porn," is a growing form of cyber harassment and online sexual violence that disproportionately affects women and challenges traditional social frameworks. Despite increasing global research on NDII, Caribbean-based studies remain scarce, leaving critical gaps in understanding how regional cultural norms, gender roles, and legal structures shape public perceptions of this phenomenon. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine public attitudes toward NDII in Trinidad and Tobago, analyzing demographic, social proximity to survivors, and ideological factors that influence perceptions of both survivors and perpetrators. Findings indicate significant gender differences in victim-blaming attitudes, with men more likely to attribute responsibility to survivors, while religiosity emerged as a key factor in shaping protective attitudes. Additionally, latent profile analysis reveals three distinct perception groups: high, moderate, and low victim-blaming clusters, which highlight the complexity of societal views on NDII. Qualitative findings further underscore the social stigma, psychological impact, and justice-seeking behaviors associated with NDII, reinforcing the need for targeted policy reforms, digital literacy education, and survivor-centered interventions in the Caribbean. Overall, this study contributes to regional discourse on cyber-based sexual violence, offering evidence-based recommendations to inform legal frameworks and public awareness initiatives.