Sextortion and Revenge Porn – What If It Happens To You? - Home

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Sextortion and Revenge Porn – What If It Happens To You?

Many of us love how technology can connect us with others. It can be lots of fun, but there are also dangers that you should be aware of, so you know how to protect yourself and what to do if something goes wrong. So, let’s talk about Sextortion and Revenge Porn and how to stay safe in a digital world.

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What is Sextortion?

Sextortion is when someone exploits nude, explicit or sensitive images or videos of you to make you send more pictures or money. They might threaten to share these images with your family or friends if you don’t do as they ask. This is blackmail.

They might reel you in by pretending they are someone else or grooming you into doing what they want. You might think you’re having a relationship with this person and send them photos, trusting that they will keep them private.

Male sat on floor in shorts and vest on smartphone at night.

What is Revenge Porn

Revenge Porn is when someone shares private, sexual photos or videos of you without your consent after your relationship ends. This could be shared online, by text or email or by showing someone face to face.

Sextortion and Revenge Porn are both illegal and can have a huge impact on your life. It can cause anxiety and depression, and it can lead to some people hurting themselves or worse.

Dark colored hacker computer realistic composition with incognito man in black hood over laptop vector illustration

How to Protect Yourself

1. Be smart online – be cautious about adding people you don’t know. They may not always be who they say they are. Check out Meic’s tips on staying safe on your online devices, including adding people, sharing information, security settings, etc.

2. Trust your instincts – you don’t have to do something just because someone asks. Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If someone is pressuring or threatening you, tell someone.

3. Save evidence – take screenshots of messages or images and keep records. This will help police with any legal action.

4. Block and report – stop having a conversation with them and block and report them. Don’t let them bother you anymore.

5. Ask for help – you might feel embarrassed or scared, but you need to tell someone so that you can get help. Telling someone early can stop things from getting worse. Call the police on 101 or report it to CEOP. Report to the Revenge Porn Helpline if you’re over 18 or visit Report Remove from Childline if you’re under 18. They will help young people to report images and videos and help get them removed from the internet. If you need help telling someone this is happening to you, Meic can help. We’re an anonymous, confidential helpline for children and young people in Wales.

Vector illustration. Young boy in glasses staring at laptop screen with hurtful, abusive comments coming out of it.

Helpful links:

Revenge Porn Helpline (18+) – support if you’re experiencing intimate image abuse (or revenge porn)
Report Remove (under 18) – report sexual images and videos and get them removed from the internet
CEOP – protecting children and young people from grooming and sexual abuse online
Internet Watch Foundation – advice for victims of sextortion. Advice for 18+ here, or under 18 here
National Cyber Security Centre – ‘Sextortion emails: how to protect yourself‘
Hwb’s Keeping Safe Online pages – advice on different online issues and worries, including online grooming and sharing nudes
Get Safe Online – growing up and the internet: sexting, exploitation and other dangers
Police – reach out to your local police force for help

Call Meic

If you want a friendly ear to listen and offer advice, information and support, then Meic can help. Our friendly advisors are available on the helpline between 8am and midnight every single day. Call, text or chat online – contact details below.