Last Updated on October 30, 2023

The internet has brought about a lot of great things, but like everything else in life, it has its downsides, too. One of those downsides is the rise of online sexual extortion or “sextortion.” Sextortion is a heinous crime where perpetrators use sexually explicit images or videos to blackmail victims into giving them money or other forms of compensation. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or gender, and the consequences are often devastating. In this post, we will discuss some ways you can protect yourself and how to stop sextortion if it happens to you.

What to do if someone is trying to sextortion you?

1. Keep Calm and Reach Out for Help

The first thing you should do when someone is trying to sextortion you is to stay calm and not engage with the person. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional who can support you. You can also contact your local authorities or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for help and advice.

2. Document and Report the Incident

Document any evidence you have, such as screenshots or videos of the conversation, and report the incident to the police. If the person is a minor, it is essential to report it to the authorities immediately. You can also report the incident to the social media platform where the conversation took place. Most social media platforms have a reporting feature that allows you to report threatening behavior or content.

3. Protect Your Privacy

Protect your privacy by removing any personal information from your social media accounts, such as your phone number, email address, and home address. Also, make sure to change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all your online accounts.

Will a sextortionist give up?

In most cases, sextortionists will not give up easily. Once they realize that they have control over their victim, it becomes a game of cat and mouse. They may demand more and more sexually explicit content or money, threatening their victim with exposure. This can be a long and painful ordeal for the victim, who may feel trapped and alone, not knowing where to turn for help.

However, this does not mean that sextortionists will never give up. Law enforcement agencies worldwide are tirelessly working to catch and prosecute these criminals. With better technological knowledge and activities directed at raising awareness, many governments are increasing the penalties for cyber-related offenders, including sextortionists.

How do I get over being sextorted?

Don’t Blame Yourself: The first and foremost step towards healing is to realize that you did not cause the situation. Anyone can be a victim of sextortion, irrespective of their age, gender, or profession. The responsibility lies solely with the person who has committed the crime. Regardless of the circumstances, it was not your fault that you were manipulated into sending explicit pictures or videos.

Seek Professional Help: It’s not uncommon to feel embarrassed or ashamed seeking professional help, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting it. Consulting a therapist can be a significant step towards emotional healing after being sextorted. A skilled professional can help you understand and process your emotions and develop coping mechanisms that will help you navigate the healing process. They may even suggest group therapy or support groups, which can help by connecting you with other people who have faced a similar situation.

Practice Self-love: After being sextorted, you might find it hard to forgive yourself. But, self-love and care are essential when dealing with any traumatic experience. Take the time to do things that bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself. Surround yourself with positive people and find ways to practice gratitude. Small steps such as taking a walk, meditating, and journaling can release endorphins and provide a sense of well-being that will promote positivity and healing.

Conclusion

Sextortion is a serious issue affecting people all over the world. These criminals will never give up once they have control over their victims. However, with improved awareness and law enforcement action, there is hope. It is essential to understand the risks of sextortion, but it is just as important to remember that there is help available for victims. The key is to recognize that sextortionists will never win as long as victims stand up and seek assistance.