The Objectification and Blame of Sexually Diverse Women who are Revenge Porn Victims

Abstract

Research informs that bisexual women face harsher sexual stereotypes than lesbian and straight women. We, therefore, explored the relationship between objectification and victim blame in cases of revenge porn in which the victims were sexually diverse women (i.e., bisexual, lesbian, straight). Using vignettes, we hypothesized that bisexual women would be more objectified, and conversely blamed more, than the straight and lesbian victims. Adult men and women who self-identified as straight and cisgender (N = 359) completed and online survey. Findings revealed that objectification and victim blame were significantly correlated. No significant differences were found between bisexual, lesbian, or straight victims on objectification or blame measures. Men participants were found to assign greater victim blame to the victims than were women participants. This study has important implications for targeting sexual violence advocacy efforts, and implications for training future mental health professionals to enhance their advocacy efforts.