“Sextortion” Portsmouth Police Respond To Sex Video Blackmail Call
A woman contacted police at 12:20 am to report her ex was threatening to show people sexually explicit videos he’d taken of her.
He was messaging her threats and videos and even went as far as suggesting she kill herself. She felt he was attempting to blackmail her.
An officer advised her of her options in the matter.
“Sextortion”
The term “Sextortion” has made its way into the vernacular over the last few years. It’s a form of extortion that stems from a sexually compromising photo or video. The extortionist will threaten to release the video or photo if the victim doesn’t continue to send more graphic images. This type of extortion is not a joke or a passing trend—it’s a huge problem.
Children just beginning to learn about social media and setting up their first accounts sometimes fall victim to this tactic. It’s no secret that most kids who sext don’t think beyond just sending images.
Another form of Sextortion is now affecting adults. Videos that were captured on the VHS camcorders of old are now being digitized and weaponized for extortion purposes. These videos are often not high quality but, they have a tremendous following among a subgenre of pornography buffs. They feel the videos are more raw, invasive, and extremely humiliating to the victim. This feeds the beast and encourages others to make digital copies of old home sex movies.
Why???
Why would the subject of sextortion now be a typical soccer mom? The answer is in the question. The typical “Soccer Mom” has more to lose. Therefore, they can be easier to extort.
To understand this phenomenon you have to understand this is not about sex or pornography. Not one bit. This is about control and humiliation. The snippet of sexual material is just the weapon. Frankly, a weapon more powerful than a gun or a knife in certain situations.
The older female will often have family, co-workers, community ties, church affiliations, and endless other reasons that they would do almost anything to keep the images or video from being released.
What to do if you are victimized by sextortion.
The first thing you need to do is tell your family. There is no substitute for the disclosure now than for a surprise later.
Next, notify the police and FBI. The FBI states that only 7% of sextortion victims come forward. Don’t be in the 93% who suffer alone. With the amazing tools available today, authorities can find the perpetrator and prosecute them.
The fundamental problem with all of these types of Sextortion is the victim does not participate in the distribution. A sextortist will always have a way to hold you hostage, and sexts or videos can be used in the wrong hands to humiliate and violate the victim in ways they can never recover.
Ross Madison contributed to this report