Leaked nudes: Traumatic impact, healing pathways

MOST recently, social media was awash with nude pictures of a certain celebrity’s daughter. In today’s digital landscape where private personal content is constantly shared online, with explicit content spreading like a veldfire, few are immune to exposure. When someone’s nudes, images and explicit texts are non-consensually circulated, usually by someone such as an acquaintance, significant other or hacker, especially an ex-partner, it is called ‘revenge porn’. Stonehard’s 2020 study revealed that perpetrators prefer technological media as it is anonymous, instant and constant.  Understanding the cauldron of harrowing psychological effects resulting from this malicious act of bullying and sexual exploitation is crucial for supporting victims on their path to healing.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

#Overwhelming shame, internalised self-blame and loss of self-esteem

This crippling psychological effect where victims intensely inwardly criticise themselves has especially debilitating effects. Compounded by the public and even friends and relatives, victims judge themselves and create the false narrative that they must have somehow instigated and deserve to be exposed in this way and gradually lose their self-esteem. This then goes on to act as a barrier to healing because it obstructs the path to grief, and self-compassion which are imperative to healing. Self-destructive behaviours such as bad eating patterns, self-harm, substance abuse and suicidal ideation can spawn from this as the victims use them as maladaptive coping mechanisms

#Anxiety, panic attacks, depression and PTSD.

‘Revenge porn’ is tantamount to robbery because it violates the victims emotionally and socially, and takes away their ability to feel safe. Therefore, they exhibit anxiety symptoms such as excessive and pervasive worrying about everyday situations, feeling listless and restless, irritability, difficulty concentrating and nervousness. Physical symptoms may include, sleep problems, fatigue, rapid heart rate, sweating and shortness of breath. Some victims develop PTSD-related symptoms such as hyper vigilance whereby they are intensely aware of the resurfacing of leaked content which can reignite their anguish. This chronic state of fear and emotional upheaval can result in withdrawal from society at large, including from supportive loved ones, which sabotages chances of healing. Additional adverse effects are moderate to severe depression, sometimes coupled with suicidal ideation. Bates 2017 study suggests that the effects on female victims are similar to those suffered by rape victims.

#Impact on daily functioning and relationships

Due to the effects mentioned previously, the victims end up unable to go about their daily tasks especially if they are in the public eye such as school, work or a place of religion. This self-imposed isolation prolongs the victims’ suffering and affects their relationships. Because they find it difficult to go out into society, their academics or jobs may suffer.  Failure from this exacerbates the self-criticism. Additionally, because trust has been breached and a sense of safety violated, victims can find it difficult to create healthy intimate relationships. Even existing ones are examined with a suspicious magnifying glass which some may find taxing.  As if that is not enough, victims experience online as well as offline Some victims even experience a loss in intimate relationships who may ostracize or disown them.

Ultimately the effects can reportedly be long-term because the disseminated content can continue to disturb victims throughout their lives

PATHWAYS TO HEALING

#Practising self-love

To combat self-blame and criticism, victims must practise self-love. This is done by making time for exercise which of course releases feel-good endorphins, engaging in soothing activities that provide comfort and restoration like going on nature walks, taking a scented bubble bath, listening to soothing music in a relaxed environment and cuddling and talking to a loved pet. Undertaking in yoga and eating nourishing favourite foods can also be calming and enjoyable. Emotional release can be achieved through journaling thoughts and emotions, as well as writing stories and poetry. Practising immersive and loved hobbies like knitting, photography and woodwork along with engaging in creative arts like painting, and drawing can assist with tension release and calming oneself.

Therapeutic techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery meditations can cultivate mindfulness and even calm intrusive negative thoughts that perpetuate feelings of unworthiness and self-criticism. These techniques can be found on the internet or taught by a trained therapist.

#Engage your tribe

By tribe, I’m referring to support channels. Members of this tribe would include family members and friend’s victims trust and love. Usually, these people are non-judgemental and can serve as a source of comfort while the victim grieves, improves self-esteem and begins to re-join society. Support groups for this specific or similar trauma can assist the victim to reframe their perception of the event as well as how they see themselves. They would then stop internalising guilt and blame, but forgive themselves and consequently reclaim their identity from victim to a survivor who suffered exploitation through no fault of their own. Connecting with activism movements such as the Zimbabwe Anti-Cyberbullying Trust can provide validation and aid in reclaiming power and autonomy.

#Seeking legal action and removing content

Consulting with lawyers about laying civil or criminal charges against the perpetrator can provide a sense of control. Even if the legal action ends up not being pursued, understanding one’s rights can be empowering. Contacting service providers and working with them to remove content aggressively is an actionable goal that can limit spread. Having this as something to do also helps in making the victim feel empowered.

#Engaging a certified therapist.

Therapists can assist clients through the grieving process after this exploitation which has result in the mentioned psychological effects. Because the victim may not feel comfortable talking to just anybody, a therapist is a good option as they will keep the information private while also affording the victim a safe and comfortable environment to air their thoughts and let out their emotions. Therapists can also teach clients techniques such as guided imagery meditation, muscle relaxation, confidence building and assertiveness training that can foster healing, empowerment and confidence building. Moreover, therapists can help in rebuilding the victim’s ability to establish healthy relationships and mend broken family ones resulting from the incident.

CONCLUSION

While the Data Protection act of 2021 made revenge porn a crime, more still needs to be done. On a large scale, communities must promote awareness of this overlooked problem through schools, road show campaigns and even corporate psychoeducation camps. Relevant national authorities and law enforcement agencies also need to make it a public health issue so that the gravity of the psychological effects are recognised, as this can assist with obtaining support for victims.

Overall, a multifaceted approach that combines psychological, social and legal strategies can be most effective in helping victims cope. These strategies can help them redevelop confidence and self-love, an inner sense of security, control and the ability to engage in daily functioning once more. Although the experience is profound, ultimately it is not the event that defines self-worth, but the victim’s response that demonstrates resilience and dignity, and ensures healing. Finally, it is important to remember that ‘this time shall pass too’ as new issues trend.

Helpful resources

Childline

Zimbabwe Anti-Cyberbullyiing Trust: https://www.facebook.com/Z.A.C.B.T/

StopNCII.org  (Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse)

The writer Isabel Kanhenga (pictured above) is a registered systemic family therapist with Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe. She is also a Counselling Psychology Masters student at the Great Zimbabwe University. She can be reached at mindascend.therapy@gmail.com