Israelis’ Perceptions of Offense Severity and Blame in Non-Consensual Dissemination of Intimate Images: The Role of Sex and Sexual Orientation

Public perceptions toward non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (NCII) have mostly been studied in the context of victimization in heterosexual relations and among heterosexual samples. In light of recent evidence indicating a high prevalence of NCII among sexual minorities, the purpose of the current study was to examine the role of sex and sexual orientation in NCII perceptions. A total of 128 heterosexual men, 132 heterosexual women, 115 gay men, and 131 lesbian women participated in the study. The participants read a description of NCII, followed by questions on offense severity and offender and victim blame. Four offense scenarios were created: male offender–female victim, female offender–male victim, male offender–male victim, female offender–female victim. Each participant received one scenario in a between-within-subjects design of participant sex x participant sexual orientation x offender’s sex x victim’s sex (2 × 2x2 × 2) design. The results suggested that, compared to all other groups, gay men perceived the severity of NCII as the lowest, while lesbian women were the least victim-blaming. Male participants attributed less offender blame than female participants, and males were attributed more blame than females. The findings are interpreted as related to unique experiences associated with gender and sexual orientation, as well as to gendered and sexual orientation-related norms and stereotypes that influence perceptions of harm and culpability.