Sexual extortion happens when someone uses a nude or sexual image to pressure a person, usually for money, gift cards, gaming credits or more images. It moves fast, and the person being targeted often feels they cannot tell anyone.
What to do
- Do not pay. Paying does not end it, and it signals that pressure works.
- Send nothing further, no money and no more content.
- Stop all contact with the person responsible.
- Keep the messages. Do not delete them, they matter if it is reported.
- Report it at eSafety.gov.au/report. eSafety can help get content removed and in some cases act against the person responsible.
This is not their fault
It is never the fault of the person being targeted, even if an image was originally shared willingly. Any sexual activity between an adult and a child, online or in person, is child sexual abuse.
If you or someone you know needs support right now, Lifeline is 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline is 1800 55 1800. Both are free and open 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
Source: eSafety Commissioner, Deal with sextortion and Image-based abuse.