In cases of sexual extortion, victims are often blackmailed with the threat of their intimate images being shared online unless the victim follows the perpetrator’s demands.
Most commonly, offenders target victims through chat-based social media platforms and will often purport to be a young person of a similar age to the victim.
They establish a rapport with their victims, often flattering them or pretending they are in some kind of relationship, before sending what they suggest are intimate images of themselves, then persuading the victim into sending sexualised images back.
Once the offender receives the images, the offender threatens to share the content with friends and family of the victim, making demands for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Sadly, even if demands are met, the offenders will often still distribute the images.
A key piece of advice parents or guardians can give their children is not to accept friend requests from people they are not acquainted with.
A Victoria Police spokesman said officers believed these matters were under reported and that could be for a range of reasons, including fear, embarrassment and sometimes feeling unsure if an offence had occurred or if they would be believed.
“Anyone who contacts police will be supported and treated with respect, courtesy and dignity,” the spokesperson said.
“Victoria Police is committed to investigating these matters and holding offenders to account.”
Anyone who has knowledge of a concerning incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
