TFGBV Taxonomy
Perpetrator Intent:

Punitive intent

Last Updated 5/30/25
Definition: Vindictive behavior, seen by the perpetrator as retaliation or revenge against a target for a perceived wrong, slight, or injury.
Abuse Types:
Intimate image abuse (IIA) Online harassment Doxxing Account access control Deceptive synthetic media Inappropriate content Internet of things (IoT) abuse Online impersonation
Perpetrators:
Personal connection Informal group Formal group Nation-state
Targets:
Private individual Public figure Organization, group, community
Impact Types:
Economic harm Infringement of rights & freedoms Physical harm Psychological & emotional harm Self-censorship Social & political harm Sexual harm

Examples

  • Sharing intimate images after a breakup to "get back at" an ex-partner
  • Doxxing someone who criticized the perpetrator's views online
  • Coordinated harassment campaigns against organizations that took actions the perpetrator opposed

Description

Punitive intent represents reactive abuse where perpetrators feel justified in their actions because they believe they've been wronged. Punitive abuse often escalates quickly and can be particularly vicious. In intimate relationships, punitive abuse frequently emerges during or after separation, when perpetrators use shared intimate content or private information as weapons.

This motivation is central to many forms of intimate image abuse, formerly known as "revenge porn" – an outdated term that implies both that the target may have instigated the behavior and that the result is a product for entertainment.

References

Franks, M. A. (2016). Drafting an effective "revenge porn" law: A guide for legislators. Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. https://cybercivilrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Guide-for-Legislators-10.21.pdf

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