Victim-survivors of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) are reporting ongoing daily trauma, including insomnia and a persistent fear of online spaces, according to representatives from The Moxie Collective. The group advocated for a peer-led support model during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Conference in November 2025, calling for IBSA to be addressed as a critical human rights issue.
The Moxie Collective operates as a self-funded community, focusing on a non-clinical, peer-led support model for those affected by image-based sexual abuse.
How Trauma Manifests for Survivors
Trauma related to IBSA is often non-linear, with survivors experiencing cycles of perceived healing followed by a return to intense emotional distress, according to Raag, a representative of The Moxie Collective. Members of the collective report “anticipatory caution,” a state of being phobic of online environments, and persistent anxiety regarding the unauthorized circulation of their images.
This emotional toll often manifests as chronic sleep deprivation. Survivors frequently express concern over the location of their images and who may have access to them. The collective facilitates gatherings to provide comfort, allowing survivors to share experiences and find solidarity in a peer-led environment.
Advocating for Peer-Led Care
During the November 2025 conference organized by AWARE, The Moxie Collective held a booth to educate the public and presented a seminar on the realities of IBSA. Raag noted that presenting this model to case workers, clinical psychologists, and lawyers was a significant step in establishing peer-led support as a legitimate form of care.
Yiu, also representing the group, stated that the conference provided necessary validation for their work. The positive reception from professionals in the field has opened potential avenues for future collaborations, offering the self-funded group a sense of purpose and external recognition.
The push to categorize IBSA as a human rights issue rather than solely a private or criminal matter reflects a shift in how support networks are framing digital violence. By moving away from purely clinical settings toward peer-led models, these groups are addressing the immediate, isolating nature of the trauma that traditional systems may overlook. The next challenge for these advocates will likely involve scaling these community-led efforts while maintaining the trust and safety required for survivors to participate.
Future Implications for Public Awareness
Addressing IBSA extends beyond supporting survivors; it requires broader public education, according to Raag. The group is actively engaging in conversations with men about their role when encountering circulated IBSA material or related news.
As the conversation shifts toward a human rights framework, it is possible that more institutions will begin to integrate peer-led models into their standard care offerings. Increased engagement with the public, particularly regarding the behavior of bystanders, could lead to a reduction in the circulation of abusive content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of The Moxie Collective?
The group focuses on a non-clinical, peer-led model of care for survivors of image-based sexual abuse, providing a space for women to share experiences and find comfort.
How does IBSA affect survivors’ daily lives?
According to Raag, survivors often struggle with insomnia, a persistent fear of online spaces, and the non-linear nature of trauma, which can fluctuate between feelings of healing and intense distress.
Why is the group engaging with men?
Raag noted that it is not just women who need to understand IBSA, and the group is having conversations with men about how to respond when they encounter images or news related to IBSA being circulated.
How might broader public awareness change the way online spaces handle instances of image-based sexual abuse?