What is Sextortion?
In an era where technology and the internet have become integral parts of our lives, a sinister threat has emerged – sextortion. This heinous act involves the exploitation and coercion of individuals through the use of intimate images and videos. Perpetrators resort to threats, manipulation, and blackmail to extort money or favours from their victims, often leaving them traumatized and helpless. In this blog post, we shed light on the alarming rise of sextortion cases, its devastating impact, and the measures being taken to combat it.
Sextortion is not a new phenomenon, but the statistics paint a disturbing picture. In 2021, sextortion cases more than doubled, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. What's even more concerning is that a significant majority of victims are male, dispelling the stereotype that only women are targeted in such cases.
Another chilling revelation is that approximately 80% of sextortion cases involve perpetrators who are part of criminal gangs. These organized criminals use sextortion as a means to amass wealth and power, exploiting their victims' vulnerabilities for personal gain.
Sextortion perpetrators are adept at using technology to their advantage. They commonly employ encrypted social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs to carry out their malicious activities. These platforms provide them with a cloak of anonymity, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down.
Acting Against Sextortion
In the United Kingdom, sextortion is treated as a serious offense. Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent is classified as a form of blackmail, which can lead to perpetrators facing up to two years in imprisonment if caught. This legal framework aims to protect victims and hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to sextortion, it's crucial to remember that you are not alone. There are resources and organizations dedicated to helping individuals in such distressing situations. Here are some steps you can take if you find yourself at risk:
Change Your Social Media Passwords: If you've been threatened, immediately change the passwords to your social media accounts to ensure your safety.
Block the Blackmailer: Blocking the perpetrator is advisable, but refrain from deleting your profile or messages, as these can serve as vital evidence for reporting the crime.
Seek Professional Help: If you've been affected by sextortion or intimate image abuse, don't hesitate to contact the Revenge Porn Helpline at 0345 6000 459 or email them at help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk. They have the expertise to provide support and guidance during such challenging times.
Anonymous Reporting: If you prefer to maintain your anonymity, you can submit reports through the Revenge Porn Helpline's website at https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/. Your privacy and safety are paramount.
Supporting Research Campaigns
To combat sextortion effectively, understanding its nuances is essential. The Revenge Porn Helpline is currently conducting a research campaign to improve knowledge and support for victims. You can contribute to this effort by participating in their survey, which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/sextortion-survey/. Your insights can help shape future strategies to combat this insidious crime. Sextortion is a grave threat that preys on the vulnerabilities of individuals through the misuse of technology. As cases continue to rise, it's imperative that we remain vigilant, informed, and supportive of those affected. By raising awareness, supporting research initiatives, and providing assistance to victims, we can collectively work towards eradicating sextortion and ensuring a safer online environment for all. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. For more information check out the post on our Instagram Post for this article! For help, if you relate to or found this post triggering at all, check out our Resource Tab on our website. We want to make sure SASHA is representative of all voices, please fill out our Feedback Form - if there is something you think we are missing we’d love to hear about it! Written by Sebastian Glasper Picture Credits: https://unsplash.com/photos/pb_lF8VWaPU
Sources
Coker, J. 2022. UK Sextortion Cases Doubled in 2021. Infosecurity Magazine. [Online]. Available from: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/uk-sextortion-cases-doubled/.
Revenge Porn Helpline n.d. Sextortion awareness campaign - Revenge Porn Helpline | Revenge Porn Helpline. revengepornhelpline.org.uk. [Online]. [Accessed 18 September 2023]. Available from: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/resources/sextortion-awareness-campaign/.
StopSextortion 2019. Stop Sextortion | Yup. It’s a thing. Stop Sextortion. [Online]. Available from: https://www.stopsextortion.com/.
Thorn.org n.d. Sextortion Research and Insights. Thorn. [Online]. Available from: https://www.thorn.org/sextortion/.
Thornton, B. 2023. Sextortion Continues to Be the Most Prevalent Form of Intimate Image Abuse. swgfl.org.uk. [Online]. [Accessed 5 September 2023]. Available from: https://swgfl.org.uk/magazine/sextortion-continues-to-be-the-most-prevalent-form-of-intimate-image-abuse/.
Comments