A critical analysis of Ireland’s approaches to addressing cyber sexual violence

In this review article, I will critically analyse various approaches for addressing Cyber Sexual Violence (CSV) perpetrated against adults in the Republic of Ireland1 . CSV is cyberspace-located, non-physical and in-direct, non-consensual or coerced acts of a sexualised nature. I examine two research questions: What approaches to addressing CSV perpetrated against adults exist in Ireland? What are the limitations of these approaches? Drawing on the literature, I will analyse Ireland’s legal approach to addressing CSV, a CSV reporting tool, and CSV awareness-raising campaigns. Notably, recording, distributing, or publishing intimate images without consent is illegal in Ireland. However, Irish laws do not acknowledge this crime as sexual violence. Proving a perpetrator’s intent to harm is central to sentencing rather than a focus on the harms experienced by the victim-survivor. Hotline.ie, the tool for the public to report illegal content online outside of the Garda Síochána2 , has seen increased usage but features inconsistent messaging regarding CSV committed against adults. Also, there exists a gap in the support services available for adult victim-survivors of CSV who did not experience physical sexual violence. By analysing approaches to addressing CSV perpetrated against adults, this article supports future responses to CSV in Ireland to avoid and resolve the identified limitations.