Childhood image-based sexual abuse: Recipients of disclosure from a diverse group of young adults

Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) in childhood presents unique disclosure challenges, yet disclosure patterns remain poorly understood. To examine disclosure patterns of IBSA experienced during childhood. Participants were 2,854 U.S. young adults (ages 18-28) who provided detailed information on 4,149 IBSA incidents with information about disclosure. Participants were recruited through social media using rigorous fraud deterrent and detection protocols. They completed a confidential online survey. Disclosure rates were low, with only 39.2% of incidents disclosed. Disclosure was more common to informal sources (37.9%) like friends known in person, while 11.3% of incidents were disclosed to a formal source, like a teacher at school or mental health professionals. Only 5.2% of incidents were known to police. Incident severity influenced disclosure likelihood—cases involving intent to harm, multiple people responsible, or repeated victimization were more likely to be disclosed, particularly to formal sources. Sexual and gender minority youth were significantly more likely than heterosexual peers to disclose to both formal and informal sources, particularly professionals and romantic partners, yet less likely to disclose to family members. Findings underscore the barriers to IBSA disclosure and the urgent need for victim-centered reporting mechanisms, culturally competent services, and improved digital reporting options to support survivors. • A minority (39.2%) of image-based sexual abuse incidents are disclosed. • Disclosure was more common to informal sources (37.9%). • Only 11.3% of incidents were disclosed to a formal source. • Incident severity increased the odds of disclosure. • Sex and gender minority were less likely to disclose to family.