WHAT TO DO

If you are a victim of digital exploitation, also called sextortion, remember it is not your fault. Threatening to share intimate images or using them to blackmail another person is illegal, and responsibility for illegal behavior is on the person making the threats.
Steps to Take
  • Do not comply with their demands. Their request is designed to scare you into complying, but it will not be enough to make them stop their behavior.
  • If you have already complied with their initial demands, stop now. If their demands were for funds and you used your bank account or credit cards to pay, contact your bank or credit card companies to discuss security measures you can take.
  • Stop all communication with the perpetrator.
  • Block the perpetrator on all social media and modes of communication. Report their accounts to the social media platforms where the threats are being made.
  • Collect evidence. This can include screenshots of messages, bank information the perpetrator may have provided, and other relevant information.
  • Sextortion is a crime under both Indiana and federal laws. Decide if you want to pursue criminal charges. If you do, report the threats to local law enforcement and/or the FBI. If the victim is under 18, Indiana law requires a report be made to the Indiana Department of Child Services via the hotline, 1-800-800-5556.
  • Consider hashing intimate images shared with the perpetrator. Hashing creates a digital fingerprint on the images that can be used to find and remove the images if they are shared. More information is available at https://stopncii.org/.
  • Activate GoogleAlerts to be notified if something is shared online with your name. More information on GoogleAlerts can be found at https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/information-and-advice/step-by-step-guides/how-to-set-up-a-google-alert/​

Safety Plan

  • Do not accept friend requests from strangers or fake accounts.
  • Learn to recognize fake accounts. If an account has little or no content, few friends or followers, or is new, it may be fake.
  • Make use of privacy settings on social media platforms and online accounts. Revisit your privacy settings regularly.
  • Limit who can see your content to only friends, friends of friends, or followers. Some platforms also allow you to limit who can share your content. The fewer people who can see your content, the more secure your account.
  • Update your accounts regularly with strong passwords containing a combination of capitalized and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. DO NOT share your passwords with anyone.
  • Utilize two-factor authentication for logging into accounts.
  • Have updated security and anti-virus software on all devices.

If you are a parent –
  • Use parental controls.
  • Consider keeping younger children and teens off internet-based tools that allow contact with strangers.
  • Check your children’s / teens’ social media accounts and activity regularly.
  • Have regular conversations about online safety and threats.
  • Educate your teens about the legal implications of sharing intimate images.
  • More tips can be found at https://www.stopsextortion.com/caregivers/

SUpporting A Loved One

If you care about someone who is affected by sextortion, the crime will likely impact you emotionally as well.  You may be feeling guilt, confusion, and anger or be unsure of how to help and be supportive. We are here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at 1-800-245-4580. 
Here are some tips to get you started.
  • Initiate a conversation. If you believe someone you love is a victim of sextortion, talk to them about your concerns. Let them know you don’t judge them and are there to support them.
  • Let your loved one lead. Don’t act on their behalf. Let them decide what they want to do.
  • Help them find resources, other supports, and formulate a plan.
  • Offer to go with them to make a police report. If the victim is under 18, Indiana law requires a report be made to the Indiana Department of Child Services via the hotline, 1-800-800-5556.
For more tips, check out https://www.thorn.org/blog/support-friend-sextortion/

Self-Care

Whether you’re facing sextortion yourself or supporting someone who is, taking care of your mental health is a priority. 

​For survivors –
  • Create a support system of people who you feel comfortable talking to about what is happening. This can include a victim advocate. Call our hotline, 1-800-245-4580, to be connected to an advocate in our office.
  • Look for ways to express your emotions creatively through journaling, art, or something else meaningful to you.
  • Take a break from the online world.
  • Start a new hobby or pick up an old one.
  • Do activities that bring you joy and/or peace. Many survivors find a meditation practice helpful.
  • Get plenty of rest, eat nourishing foods, and drink water. Taking care of your physical health supports your mental health.
  • Consider seeing a counselor. Facing abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that a trained counselor can help you manage. Remember, there is no shame in seeking a therapist.
For those offering support –
  • Prioritize caring for yourself. Being at your best means you’ll be able to offer your loved one your highest level of support.
  • Take time for activities you enjoy and that bring you peace.
  • Find someone who can support you. Be careful not to out the survivor by doing this. A victim advocate or counselor can support you while still protecting the survivor’s confidentiality. Connect to one of our victim advocates by calling our hotline, 1-800-245-4580.
  • Check in with your own mental health. Supporting a loved one through abuse can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. It can be useful to speak to a counselor for help.  

There are endless options for self-care, but the most important thing is to find something that works for you.

 resources 

“My advocate listened to what I had to say without judgement. She was understanding and helpful about my problems. She seemed to genuinely care.”
CRISIS CONNECTION INC. AND ITS STAFF OFFER SERVICES WITHOUT REGARD TO OR DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL ABILITY, ETHNIC OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, RELIGION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION OR BELIEF, MARITAL STATUS, PLACE OF RESIDENCE, OR STATUS IN REGARD TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR VETERANS STATUS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS.