Sextortion is a serious crime and lucrative business of organized group of blackmailers or individual exploiters, who threaten the victims of distributing their sensitive and private materials, videos, text messages etc. if they failed to provide them with images of sexual nature or some sexual favors or money. The money demand is extortionate and there’s no guarantee whether criminals will not distribute their personal data/videos/images or not. Teenagers, students and women have been harassed at a greater count according to recent records.
So many children are experiencing an online abuse that didn’t exist 10 years ago — sextortion. That’s why we’re launching our Stop Sextortion campaign today, working to break down barriers and spark conversation.
Sextortion can be so isolating and scary that many kids don’t say anything to anyone. Shay Mitchell [yes, from Pretty Little Liars] narrated this video because she knows the impact we can have if we start talking about this issue.
“Too many sextortion victims stay quiet because of shame. We have to spread the word that we have each other’s backs. I want to help victims talk more openly, find resources, find hope and get support.” — Shay Mitchell
Friends, caregivers, educators, companies and policy makers all play a role in keeping kids safe.
Start the conversation before the abuse happens by sharing this video today.
“The reason I didn’t want to speak up is because I was afraid of what the adults in my life might think of me. I thought it was all my fault and I figured that’s what they would tell me.” Female, 14, responding to Thorn Sextortion Survey
Source: Thorn
