Op-Ed: Revenge Porn and Non-Consensual Image Sharing in Cambodia

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In the past decade, as Cambodia embraces the digital world, with it has come an unintended dark side—one that many don’t talk about, but whose impacts run deep: revenge porn and non-consensual image sharing.

Picture this: a young woman shares a private photo with someone she trusts, thinking it will be kept safe. She imagines it as an intimate moment between two people, hidden from the world. But then, in a moment of anger, revenge, or sheer disregard for her privacy, that photo appears online. Within minutes, her life is changed. She becomes the target of shame, ridicule, and judgment—a victim of a betrayal she never anticipated.

This is the reality for countless Cambodian women and girls who have found themselves victims of non-consensual image sharing. It’s a form of violence that strips away a person’s dignity, often with limited recourse and support. The effects are devastating, not just in how they impact her personal life but also in the deep psychological scars that can take years, if ever, to heal.

A Social Stigma Deeply Rooted

Studies on digital harassment and revenge porn in Cambodia remain limited, yet anecdotal evidence and media reports tell us that the problem is growing rapidly. With smartphone use and internet connectivity soaring, Cambodia’s online population is young, vibrant—and vulnerable.

Almost all youth (96%) in Cambodia have access to mobile phone; many engage in online interactions where privacy boundaries blur. For young women and girls, this often means navigating relationships where intimate images are shared, whether out of trust, or love.

Sadly, some people abuse that trust. Cases of revenge porn often arise when relationships sour, and what was once shared in confidence becomes a weapon. It's not uncommon to hear stories of ex-boyfriends or former partners posting private photos online or spreading them through social media to “punish” their ex-girlfriends.

In a society where women often bear the brunt of shame, victims of such image-based abuse face social isolation, judgment from friends and family, and even expulsion from school or work. The stigma is severe, with many believing the victim "asked for it" by sharing the image in the first place.

In Cambodia, conversations around intimacy and privacy are often met with silence or discomfort. Sexuality remains a taboo topic, which compounds the isolation of women whose images are shared without consent. Victims of revenge porn not only face public shaming but also struggle with personal guilt and self-blame. Often, they are told they should have been “more careful,” or worse, that they have “dishonored” their family.

Cambodian culture emphasizes respect and dignity, but when someone’s private image is shared publicly, they are judged as if their self-worth were tied to this one mistake. Meanwhile, the perpetrators often escape unscathed, facing little to no social or legal repercussions.

Emotional and Psychological Toll on Victims

The trauma of revenge porn goes beyond the immediate public shaming. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Some young women have reported isolating themselves from friends and family or leaving school and work due to the overwhelming embarrassment and fear of judgment. In Cambodian society, where family reputation is paramount, victims feel the pressure to “make things right,” despite being the wronged party.

For victims, the path to healing is often a lonely one, compounded by a lack of mental health resources tailored to their unique needs. Few counseling services in Cambodia specifically address the trauma of digital abuse, leaving victims to navigate their mental health alone. Peer support groups, like those organized by NGOs, offer a safe haven for some, but many still fall through the cracks.

Final Thoughts:

Revenge porn and non-consensual image sharing may feel like invisible crimes, but their effects are tangible and long-lasting. As Cambodia moves further into the digital age, these issues must not be swept under the rug. We need empathy and a collective recognition of the betrayal and harm these acts inflict on victims. Instead of shaming those affected, we should stand beside them and demand accountability for those who abuse the power of trust and privacy.