Mental health impacts, Emotional trauma, Psychological distress
Examples
Sextortion victims experiencing "suicidal ideation and/or self harm (mentioned in 17.5% of reports with victim impact)" (Thorn & NCMEC, 2024)
Threatening message recipients having "3.95 times the odds of CMD [common mental disorders] compared with the rest of the population" (McManus et al., 2023)
Intimate image abuse survivors being "almost twice as likely...to report high levels of psychological distress (consistent with a diagnosis of moderate to severe anxiety or depression)" (Henry et al., 2019)
Description
Psychological and emotional impacts represent some of the most pervasive and lasting harms from TFGBV. Research consistently shows elevated rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation among victims. The digital nature of abuse creates unique psychological burdens - the permanence of online content means ongoing re-victimization, while the 24/7 accessibility of digital platforms means victims cannot easily escape the abuse. The anonymity possible online can intensify psychological impacts by creating fear and uncertainty. These impacts often persist long after the abuse ends, affecting victims' ability to trust others, engage online, and maintain mental wellness.
Other examples include shame, distress, emotional instability, and distrust of own community.
McManus, S., Bebbington, P. E., Tanczer, L., Scott, S., & Howard, L. M. (2021). Receiving threatening or obscene messages from a partner and mental health, self-harm and suicidality: results from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-021-02113-w