Staying Safe in Digital Spaces
Online spaces provide opportunities for learning, connection and community.
Unfortunately, they can also be used to manipulate, exploit and harm others.
What Is Online Exploitation?
Online exploitation occurs when someone uses technology to:
- Groom.
- Manipulate.
- Control.
- Defraud.
- Blackmail.
- Exploit another person.
Perpetrators often create a false sense of trust before introducing harmful behaviour.
Understanding Sextortion
Sextortion occurs when someone obtains intimate images or videos and then uses threats, pressure or blackmail to demand:
- Money.
- Additional images.
- Sexual content.
- Compliance with other demands.
Victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed, which can prevent them from seeking help.
Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse may involve:
- Sharing intimate images without consent.
- Threatening to share images.
- Using images to control or intimidate.
- Creating fear or humiliation.
Consent to create an image does not mean consent to share it.
Warning Signs
Potential indicators include:
- Secretive online relationships.
- Requests for intimate images.
- Threats linked to images or videos.
- Financial demands.
- Fear about online communications.
Key Message
Online exploitation can happen to anyone. If someone is using images, information or online contact to pressure or control you, support is available.