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Image-based abuse is a broad term that covers a range of harmful actions involving nude or sexual images. This includes the non-consensual creating, taking or sharing of intimate images and digitally altered images, also known as ‘deepfakes’; coercing, blackmailing or threatening to share these images; requesting the creation of these images; cyber-flashing; and upskirting.
A comprehensive report into deepfakes in 2023 determined that 99% of those targeted by deepfake pornography are women.
And Skincare portrays the impact that such abuse can have on one woman with devastating effect. From the moment she is targeted, we see Hope’s mental health rapidly spiral out of all control as she becomes paranoid, unhinged and ultimately gets involved in a murder.
Indeed, as GLAMOUR’s purpose editor, Lucy Morgan, who is spearheading our campaign, says: “Having spoken to many image-based abuse survivors, it really can take over their life and take a great psychological toll; dealing with it is like having a second job and they can get overwhelmed, stressed and burnt out.
“Therefore it’s great that this film is showcasing what can happen when these technologies are abused to target a woman.
“It’s also interesting that it shows that these technologies were available and already being used over 10 years ago. But no one knew how to really deal with them, let alone legislate against them.”
And this is another very important point raised by the film. When Hope attempts to get the police involved in her case, pleading with them to take her seriously and consider the evidence she has compiled against whom she believes is sabotaging her, the LAPD officer dismisses her.
“I still don’t think any of this is life-threatening,” says the police officer. “Well maybe that’s because it’s not your life, it’s mine and I feel very threatened,” she screams back. “Unless you can prove to me that this person is wilfully and repeatedly harassing you,” continues the officer, “I’m not sure we can be of any help at this time.”
As Lucy points out, even though Skincare portrays a fictionalised version of real-life events, the police response to situations like this is still typical in the UK as well. Even today.
“Based on survivor testimonies, police in the UK still approach image-based abuse as a grey area.” says Lucy. “Victims essentially have to do their own investigative work and build their own case to present to the police, which is obviously traumatising and wouldn’t happen in any other crime. In fact in most other crimes the police actively advise you not to do your own research.
“Most survivors of image-based abuse aren’t sure if a crime has been committed and when they go to the police, they aren’t sure either.
“This is because the legislation can’t keep up with the rate at which technology is developing in this area. But some legislation is there and there are gaping holes in it. And this is why it needs to change.”
