LEARN + RESOURCES
Sextortion
Sextortion is a form of sexual exploitation where someone uses sexual images, videos, information, or threats to pressure, control, or demand something from another person.
If this is happening to you, you do not have to handle it alone. SAAP can help you understand your options and connect you with support.
Threats and pressure are not consent.
You are allowed to stop responding, seek help, and take steps to protect yourself.
WHAT IS SEXTORTION?
When sexual content is used as leverage.
Sextortion can happen when someone threatens to share intimate images, videos, messages, or personal information unless the other person gives them something they want.
The demand may involve additional sexual content, money, continued communication, sexual activity, secrecy, or another form of control.
Sextortion can involve:
- Threatening to share intimate photos or videos.
- Demanding more sexual images or videos.
- Demanding money or gift cards.
- Threatening to send content to family, friends, school, or work.
- Using fake identities or accounts to gain trust.
- Pressuring someone to stay in a relationship or continue sexual contact.
- Threatening someone with information obtained online.
HOW IT CAN START
Sextortion can develop in different ways.
It may begin with someone you know, someone you meet online, or a person pretending to be someone else.
Online Connection
Someone builds trust through social media, gaming, messaging apps, or dating platforms.
Image Sharing
Intimate images or videos may be shared voluntarily, requested, manipulated, or obtained without permission.
Threats Begin
The person threatens to expose the content, embarrass the survivor, or cause harm.
Demands Increase
They may ask for money, more images, sexual activity, secrecy, or continued contact.
COERCION + CONTROL
Sending an image does not give someone permission to threaten you.
Consent to share something privately is not consent for that content to be distributed, used as leverage, or used to force someone into doing something else.
Someone may use fear, shame, embarrassment, threats, manipulation, or isolation to gain control.
That pressure matters.IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO YOU
Consider protecting yourself before responding further.
Every situation is different. You can choose the steps that feel safest for you.
Save Evidence
Save screenshots, usernames, messages, account names, payment requests, threats, dates, and other identifying information.
Avoid Sending More
Sending additional images or money may not stop the threats and can lead to additional demands.
Secure Your Accounts
Consider changing passwords, reviewing privacy settings, and turning on multifactor authentication.
Tell Someone You Trust
A trusted friend, family member, advocate, counselor, or other support person can help you think through next steps.
Report the Account
Social media and online platforms often have tools for reporting threats, harassment, impersonation, or nonconsensual intimate content.
Reach Out for Support
SAAP can help you talk through what happened, available options, and local resources.
DOCUMENTATION
Save what you can before deleting or blocking.
If it feels safe to do so, documenting what happened may help preserve information you may want later.
IF CONTENT HAS ALREADY BEEN SHARED
You still have options.
If intimate content has already been posted or sent to others, you may still be able to report the content, request removal, document what happened, and seek advocacy or legal support.
Do not assume that because something has been shared, nothing can be done.
Consider documenting:
- Where the content was posted.
- The account or person who posted it.
- Direct links or URLs when available.
- Dates and times.
- Messages connected to the posting.
- Any additional threats or demands.
CHILDREN + TEENS
Young people can be targeted too.
Sextortion can involve children and teenagers, including situations where an adult or another young person pressures them for sexual content, money, secrecy, or continued communication.
A young person may feel afraid, embarrassed, or worried about getting in trouble. Supportive adults should focus on safety and helping them, rather than blaming them for what happened.
SUPPORTING SOMEONE
How you respond can make a difference.
Helpful responses
“I believe you.”
“You do not deserve to be threatened.”
“We can figure out your options together.”
“You do not have to handle this alone.”
Try to avoid
“Why did you send the picture?”
“Just block them and forget about it.”
“You should have known better.”
Taking over without asking what they want.
HOW SAAP CAN HELP
You can talk with us confidentially.
SAAP advocates can provide emotional support, explain options, help you think through safety, connect you with resources, and support you as you decide what you want to do next.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE 24/7
You do not have to figure this out alone.
Call SAAP for free, confidential support.