A critical analysis of Ireland’s approaches to addressing cyber sexual violence
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Date
2023Author
Hayman, Lorraine
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Hayman, Lorraine. (2023). A critical analysis of Ireland’s approaches to addressing cyber sexual violence. Dearcadh: Graduate Journal of Gender, Globalisation and Rights, 4. https://doi.org/10.13025/5z0m-rm77
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Abstract
In this review article, I will critically analyse various approaches for
addressing Cyber Sexual Violence (CSV) perpetrated against adults in the Republic of
Ireland1
. CSV is cyberspace-located, non-physical and in-direct, non-consensual or
coerced acts of a sexualised nature. I examine two research questions: What approaches
to addressing CSV perpetrated against adults exist in Ireland? What are the limitations
of these approaches? Drawing on the literature, I will analyse Ireland’s legal approach
to addressing CSV, a CSV reporting tool, and CSV awareness-raising campaigns.
Notably, recording, distributing, or publishing intimate images without consent is
illegal in Ireland. However, Irish laws do not acknowledge this crime as sexual
violence. Proving a perpetrator’s intent to harm is central to sentencing rather than a
focus on the harms experienced by the victim-survivor. Hotline.ie, the tool for the
public to report illegal content online outside of the Garda Síochána2
, has seen increased
usage but features inconsistent messaging regarding CSV committed against adults.
Also, there exists a gap in the support services available for adult victim-survivors of
CSV who did not experience physical sexual violence. By analysing approaches to
addressing CSV perpetrated against adults, this article supports future responses to CSV
in Ireland to avoid and resolve the identified limitations.