Online sexual coercion and extortion is a form of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse. In the past we have heard terms like ‘sextortion’ but this term does not accurately describe the issue. Sexual coercion and extortion can happen to adults, but the impact is much more damaging for children.
How does it happen?
- Perpetrators use grooming behaviours and also blackmail, threats, intimidation, deception and coercion to solicit sexual images from children.
- These images may be self-generated or depict other children and young people.
- Images may then be used to extort further images or ‘asks’ from the child or young person.
- While children or young people may be blackmailed and asked for money, financial gain is not the goal of perpetrators.
- Some children and young people will be deceived into sending images to adults by use of flattery and other grooming behaviours.
Sexual Coercion and Extortion Example:
- It will often start with someone adding the victim. They are usually very attractive or easy to talk to.
- Once they have connected, they might flirt a lot and introduce the topic of sex.
- They will try to make the victim feel comfortable, they will take the lead and they will be 'easy' to talk to.
- They will make the victim feel like they have an instant attraction or connection with one another and say that it's OK to share images because they live so far apart.
- They may share intimate images or videos of themselves to make the victim think they can trust them- be aware of them saying because they've sent theirs first that (now it's your turn).
Avoiding the trap of ‘just one more image’
We know from case studies that perpetrators will often ask for one more image for the abuse to stop. But this is a continuation of the abuse and can often spiral, making the situation worse.
What you need to know
Educating children and young people on this issue is the best way to protect them from harm. It’s likely that this will not happen to the children in your care but in cases where it does happen the situation can spiral out of control and have serious consequences for the children who are being victimised.
What you can do
Children and young people should understand that they should ALWAYS seek help or support from trusted adults in their life. Reassurance of support rather than being blamed or shamed is likely to encourage children to seek support.
This can be a scary situation and make young people very vulnerable- if it happens don’t panic there are things you can do to protect them.
What to do if it happens?
- Don’t panic, overreact or get angry: stay calm, the child needs your support.
- The feeling of embarrassment and shame can be overwhelming for a young person. A sensitive child-centred approach is vital.
- The child needs to be reassured, and regardless of how settled they appear, a multiagency suicide prevention plan should be developed.
- Engage the police and multiagency support and make sure you check that a comprehensive suicide prevention plan is in place.
Remember what’s happening is illegal and they won’t get into trouble. The key is to get help and advice as soon as possible.
Prevention
Telling children and young people ‘what goes online stays online’, is not fully accurate and can be damaging because it removes hope.
Already in the public arena to highlight how extortion and coercion happens, how the approaches are made and the way they develop to blackmail and threats.
Reinforce the fact that no one would expect the child to deal with this problem alone. The sooner they tell someone the sooner they can be supported and the greater the chance of catching the criminals and stopping the crime.
By talking about how to take screen shots of threatening/sexting messages.
By suggesting not using social media for a period of time and even suspending a particular social media account.
About the issue who are skilled in supporting children with image-based incidents.
NOTE: Always consider a suicide prevention strategy. No matter how resilient the child may present, it is wise to engage social care and health professionals and to agree a suicide prevention plan.
Young people should remember to:
- Be suspicious of approaches from strangers, no matter how attractive or convincing they seem - remember if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Only talk to people online they know and have met in real life.
- If someone tries to blackmail them online, they should take a screenshot of their message.
- Tell an adult they trust – everyone, including the police will want to help them.
- Suspend their social media account – unless instructed otherwise by police.
- Take a break from all social media.